From my somewhat academic question as to the proper term — Upper Limb or
Upper Extremity — in prosthetics & orthotics, I have had numerous
responses. The responses were somewhat equal in the choice and many had
substantial rationale to support their positions. Quite a number said they
used both terms interchangeably and a couple indicated they thought it was
quite “dumb” of me to ask such a question. Well, so be it! Following is
one of the more deeply thought out responses.
Apparently there is not one of the terms which is accepted by all without
question. Why am I not surprised?
Sam Hamontree, CP
Hello Sam,
I have asked myself this question a number of times over the past 25
years or so and about three years ago decided to research a definitive
answer for myself. I used four references in this search. Here is what I
found:
EXTREMITY:
#1. From the OXFORD LATIN DICTIONARY:
The word “extremitas” is a Latin word with its first definitional
meaning, “The outermost part, border;….”; The second definition, “The end,
extremity (of a long object); the farthest point (of course); (pl.)the
extremities (of the body).
#2. From the OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY [The complete 22 volumes]:
1. Refers to Latin and French derivation, “The extreme or terminal
point of anything; the very end.
1b. Pl. The outermost parts of the body; the hands and feet.
LIMB:
This word has many forms, and without getting too involved in the
explanation from Old English, Old Testament, Lithuanian, Swedish, Danish,
etc., here is it simply.
From the OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY:
#1. Any organ or part of the body (Obsolete except dialect)
#2a. A part or member of an animal body distinct from the head or the trunk,
e.g. a leg, arm, wing
b. = leg. Now only (esp. U.S.) in mock-modest or prudish use.
There you have it. I have continued to use the words interchangeably, yet
feel that the correct term is extremity.
—–Original Message—–
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:[email protected]] On
Behalf Of Sam E. Hamontree
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 12:53 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [OANDP-L] UL or UE??
Both “Upper Limb” and “Upper Extremity” terms are used relative to
prosthetics. Is one of these more correct (or even more “politically
correct”) in today’s prosthetic world?
This REALLY need not start a major controversy. Just a curious question.
Sam E. Hamontree, CP
