Prosthetics & Orthotics Flashcards
7 cards from real DPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Prosthetics & Orthotics flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of total contact in a transtibial prosthetic socket?
Answer: To distribute pressure evenly across the residual limb
Total contact distributes pressure evenly across the entire residual limb surface, preventing focal high-pressure areas that cause skin breakdown.
Which type of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is most appropriate for a patient with isolated foot drop due to peroneal nerve palsy?
Answer: Posterior leaf spring AFO
A posterior leaf spring AFO provides dorsiflexion assist during swing phase while allowing some sagittal motion, making it ideal for isolated foot drop with preserved push-off.
The K-level classification system used in lower limb prosthetic prescription is primarily based on:
Answer: The patient's rehabilitation potential and functional mobility level
The K-level system (K0–K4) classifies patients by their rehabilitation potential and expected functional mobility to guide appropriate prosthetic component selection.
Why is initial flexion (5–10°) commonly built into a transfemoral prosthetic socket?
Answer: To facilitate hip extensor activation and prevent excessive lumbar lordosis
Initial flexion positions the residual limb so the hip extensors can fire effectively during stance and prevents compensatory lumbar lordosis.
Which prosthetic foot design is classified as an energy-storing and return (ESAR) foot?
Answer: Carbon fiber dynamic response foot
Carbon fiber dynamic response feet deflect and store energy during loading, then return that energy at push-off, mimicking the function of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
What is the primary biomechanical indication for prescribing a floor-reaction AFO (GRAFO)?
Answer: Crouch gait due to weak knee extensors or plantarflexors
A GRAFO blocks ankle dorsiflexion, redirecting the ground reaction force anterior to the knee to create a knee extension moment that corrects crouch gait.
Which outcome measure was specifically designed and validated to assess functional mobility and predict prosthetic component needs in amputees?
Answer: Amputee Mobility Predictor (AMP)
The Amputee Mobility Predictor (AMP) was developed specifically for the amputee population and is used to assess functional mobility and guide prosthetic prescription.