CPT Prosthetic Fitting & Alignment Flashcards

What is the primary goal of static alignment in lower-limb prosthetics?

Answer: Achieve a stable base of support in a standing position

Static alignment establishes a stable base of support while the patient stands, before dynamic adjustments are made during walking.

During dynamic alignment, which professional typically observes the patient's gait and directs adjustments?

Answer: The prosthetist

The prosthetist observes the patient's gait during dynamic alignment and directs the prosthetic technician to make any necessary component adjustments.

When aligning a transtibial (below-knee) prosthesis, the socket should be positioned so the pylon is oriented in which direction during stance phase?

Answer: Vertically aligned with the ground reaction force

Proper pylon alignment ensures the ground reaction force passes through the socket in a manner that mimics the natural biomechanical axis of the limb.

Which tool is most commonly used by a prosthetic technician to verify the angular alignment of a prosthetic foot relative to the socket?

Answer: Alignment jig or alignment device

An alignment jig or dedicated alignment device allows the technician to accurately set and verify the angular relationship between the socket and prosthetic foot.

What does excessive toe-out (external foot rotation) in a transtibial prosthesis most likely indicate?

Answer: Excessive external rotation of the pylon

Excessive toe-out is typically caused by too much external rotation in the pylon or foot attachment, which must be corrected during bench or dynamic alignment.

During bench alignment of a transfemoral (above-knee) prosthesis, the knee unit is generally set in how many degrees of flexion?

Answer: 0 to 5 degrees of flexion

Bench alignment typically starts with the knee unit in 0–5 degrees of flexion to provide initial stability before dynamic refinements are made.