Rosthetic Written Exam Part 1 AK & BK
Prosthetics, Alignment, Gait, Biomechanics |
Rehabilitation Questions with Correct Answers
& Explanations | Graded A+ Study Guide.
1. The most common prosthetic foot type for a community ambulator with a transtibial
amputation is:
A) SACH foot
B) Single-axis foot
C) Energy-storing/responsive foot
D) Rigid keel foot
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Energy-storing feet (e.g., carbon fiber) provide dynamic response and roll-
over, improving gait efficiency for active community ambulators. SACH feet are for low-
activity patients.
2. The patellar tendon bearing (PTB) prosthesis derives its name from weight-bearing
primarily on the:
A) Patella
B) Patellar tendon
C) Tibial tuberosity
D) Medial tibial flare
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The PTB design transfers load through the patellar tendon, which is able to
tolerate high pressures, offloading the distal tibia.
3. Total surface bearing (TSB) sockets differ from PTB sockets by:
A) Eliminating all weight-bearing on the patellar tendon
B) Distributing pressure more uniformly over the entire residual limb
C) Using a rigid supracondylar cuff
D) Requiring a locking knee joint
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: TSB uses a gel liner and even contact to reduce pressure peaks, unlike PTB
which has specific anatomic reliefs and weight-bearing areas.
4. A distal end pad in a transtibial prosthesis is critical to tolerate:
A) Shear forces only
B) End-bearing pressure on the distal tibia
C) Pressure on the fibular head
D) Pistoning motion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A soft distal pad cushions the bony distal tibia, which is not designed for high
weight-bearing.
5. The most common complication of a poorly fitting transtibial socket is:
A) Hip flexion contracture
B) Distal skin breakdown
C) Patellar tendinitis
D) Knee hyperextension
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Poor fit causes excessive distal pressure, friction, and pistoning, leading to
skin ulcers or blisters.
6. Supracondylar suspension (SCS) in a BK prosthesis relies on:
A) A waist belt
B) A lanyard system
C) The bulbous shape of the femoral condyles
D) A vacuum pump
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The socket or cuff wraps above the femoral condyles, creating a mechanical
lock.
7. Which material is most common for a definitive transtibial socket?
A) Polyethylene
B) Thermoplastic or laminated carbon fiber
C) Aluminum
D) Leather
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Carbon fiber is lightweight, strong, and can be custom-laminated.
Thermoplastics are heat-moldable for adjustments.
, 8. A pin/locking liner system provides suspension via:
A) Magnetic lock
B) Distal pin engaging a mechanical lock in the socket
C) Suction at the knee sleeve
D) External belt
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The liner has a distal metal pin that clicks into a locking mechanism at the
bottom of the socket.
9. Excessive knee flexion in a transtibial socket during standing is caused by:
A) Anterior socket wall too low
B) Posterior socket wall too high
C) Foot too plantarflexed
D) Socket set too far anterior
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If the foot is excessively plantarflexed, the patient’s knee must flex to bring
the foot flat, causing a crouched stance.
10. The ideal position of the transtibial socket relative to the foot in the sagittal plane is:
A) 5°–10° of dorsiflexion
B) 0° (neutral)
C) 5° of plantarflexion
D) 20° of dorsiflexion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bench alignment typically sets socket flexion of 5°–10° for knee comfort, but
relative to the foot, the goal is neutral tibial angle to mimic normal gait.
11. The fibular head should be:
A) Completely covered by the socket
B) Left uncovered to prevent peroneal nerve compression
C) Load-bearing in a TSB socket
D) Flush with the lateral wall
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The socket relief over the fibular head prevents pressure on the common
peroneal nerve, which can cause foot drop or numbness.
12. A “pistoning” in a BK prosthesis refers to:
A) Rotational movement of the foot
B) Vertical displacement of the limb inside the socket
C) Toe lift during swing phase
Prosthetics, Alignment, Gait, Biomechanics |
Rehabilitation Questions with Correct Answers
& Explanations | Graded A+ Study Guide.
1. The most common prosthetic foot type for a community ambulator with a transtibial
amputation is:
A) SACH foot
B) Single-axis foot
C) Energy-storing/responsive foot
D) Rigid keel foot
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Energy-storing feet (e.g., carbon fiber) provide dynamic response and roll-
over, improving gait efficiency for active community ambulators. SACH feet are for low-
activity patients.
2. The patellar tendon bearing (PTB) prosthesis derives its name from weight-bearing
primarily on the:
A) Patella
B) Patellar tendon
C) Tibial tuberosity
D) Medial tibial flare
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The PTB design transfers load through the patellar tendon, which is able to
tolerate high pressures, offloading the distal tibia.
3. Total surface bearing (TSB) sockets differ from PTB sockets by:
A) Eliminating all weight-bearing on the patellar tendon
B) Distributing pressure more uniformly over the entire residual limb
C) Using a rigid supracondylar cuff
D) Requiring a locking knee joint
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: TSB uses a gel liner and even contact to reduce pressure peaks, unlike PTB
which has specific anatomic reliefs and weight-bearing areas.
4. A distal end pad in a transtibial prosthesis is critical to tolerate:
A) Shear forces only
B) End-bearing pressure on the distal tibia
C) Pressure on the fibular head
D) Pistoning motion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A soft distal pad cushions the bony distal tibia, which is not designed for high
weight-bearing.
5. The most common complication of a poorly fitting transtibial socket is:
A) Hip flexion contracture
B) Distal skin breakdown
C) Patellar tendinitis
D) Knee hyperextension
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Poor fit causes excessive distal pressure, friction, and pistoning, leading to
skin ulcers or blisters.
6. Supracondylar suspension (SCS) in a BK prosthesis relies on:
A) A waist belt
B) A lanyard system
C) The bulbous shape of the femoral condyles
D) A vacuum pump
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The socket or cuff wraps above the femoral condyles, creating a mechanical
lock.
7. Which material is most common for a definitive transtibial socket?
A) Polyethylene
B) Thermoplastic or laminated carbon fiber
C) Aluminum
D) Leather
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Carbon fiber is lightweight, strong, and can be custom-laminated.
Thermoplastics are heat-moldable for adjustments.
, 8. A pin/locking liner system provides suspension via:
A) Magnetic lock
B) Distal pin engaging a mechanical lock in the socket
C) Suction at the knee sleeve
D) External belt
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The liner has a distal metal pin that clicks into a locking mechanism at the
bottom of the socket.
9. Excessive knee flexion in a transtibial socket during standing is caused by:
A) Anterior socket wall too low
B) Posterior socket wall too high
C) Foot too plantarflexed
D) Socket set too far anterior
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If the foot is excessively plantarflexed, the patient’s knee must flex to bring
the foot flat, causing a crouched stance.
10. The ideal position of the transtibial socket relative to the foot in the sagittal plane is:
A) 5°–10° of dorsiflexion
B) 0° (neutral)
C) 5° of plantarflexion
D) 20° of dorsiflexion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bench alignment typically sets socket flexion of 5°–10° for knee comfort, but
relative to the foot, the goal is neutral tibial angle to mimic normal gait.
11. The fibular head should be:
A) Completely covered by the socket
B) Left uncovered to prevent peroneal nerve compression
C) Load-bearing in a TSB socket
D) Flush with the lateral wall
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The socket relief over the fibular head prevents pressure on the common
peroneal nerve, which can cause foot drop or numbness.
12. A “pistoning” in a BK prosthesis refers to:
A) Rotational movement of the foot
B) Vertical displacement of the limb inside the socket
C) Toe lift during swing phase
