DHA Prosthetics & Orthotics exam questions

6 worked Prosthetics & Orthotics practice questions

Original exam-style questions from the bank, spread across the blueprint domains. They are not real or recalled exam questions. Try each one, then open the answer for the rationale and reference. None of them appear in the free mock exam, so reading them will not spoil it.

1. Question 1 · Assessment, Outcomes, Safety and Ethics

   Which outcome measure was developed to assess ambulatory potential and help assign the functional K-level of lower limb amputees?

   1. ABarthel Index of ADL
   2. BModified Ashworth Scale
   3. CAmputee Mobility Predictor
   4. DBerg Balance Scale
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Amputee Mobility Predictor

   The Amputee Mobility Predictor assesses balance and mobility tasks with or without a prosthesis and relates scores to K-levels. The Modified Ashworth Scale measures spasticity, and the Berg Balance Scale was not designed to assign K-levels.

   Reference: Gailey RS, et al. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002

2. Question 2 · Clinical Conditions

   A patient with diabetes cannot feel a 10 g monofilament at several plantar sites. What does this indicate?

   1. APeripheral arterial occlusion
   2. BNormal age-related change
   3. CLoss of protective sensation
   4. DActive Charcot neuroarthropathy
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Loss of protective sensation

   Inability to feel a 10 g monofilament indicates loss of protective sensation and a high risk of ulceration, so protective footwear and education are needed. It does not test circulation.

   Reference: IWGDF Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of Diabetes-related Foot Disease 2023

3. Question 3 · Clinical Conditions

   What is the most common cause of lower limb amputation in adults in high-income countries?

   1. ATrauma from road traffic accidents
   2. BPrimary malignant bone tumours
   3. CVascular disease, often with diabetes
   4. DCongenital limb deficiency
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Vascular disease, often with diabetes

   Dysvascular disease, mainly peripheral arterial disease with or without diabetes, accounts for most adult lower limb amputations. Trauma is the leading cause in younger adults but is less common overall.

   Reference: Lusardi, Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation, 4th ed.

4. Question 4 · Lower Limb Prosthetics

   What is the main biomechanical aim of an ischial containment transfemoral socket compared with a quadrilateral socket?

   1. AIschial sitting on a posterior shelf
   2. BBetter mediolateral stability via a locked ischium
   3. CWider mediolateral dimension for sitting comfort
   4. DRemoving the need for any suspension
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Better mediolateral stability via a locked ischium

   An ischial containment socket encloses the ischium and ramus inside the socket, forming a bony lock with a narrow mediolateral width that keeps the femur adducted and improves stability. Sitting the ischium on a posterior shelf is the quadrilateral design.

   Reference: Lusardi, Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation, 4th ed.

5. Question 5 · Lower Limb Prosthetics

   A transtibial prosthesis user has excessive, abrupt knee flexion at initial contact. Which alignment or component problem is most likely?

   1. AHeel too soft or foot too plantarflexed
   2. BSocket set too far posterior
   3. CProsthesis slightly too long
   4. DHeel too stiff or foot too dorsiflexed
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Heel too stiff or foot too dorsiflexed

   A stiff heel, a dorsiflexed foot, or a socket set too far anterior or too flexed pushes the knee into rapid flexion at heel contact. A soft heel or plantarflexed foot instead causes too little knee flexion and a hyperextension tendency.

   Reference: Lusardi, Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation, 4th ed.

6. Question 6 · Lower Limb Prosthetics

   When aligning a transfemoral prosthesis with a single-axis knee, how does placing the knee axis further behind the trochanter-knee-ankle (TKA) line affect it?

   1. ALess stance stability, easier to flex
   2. BNo effect on knee stability
   3. CMore stance stability, harder to flex
   4. DCauses an abducted gait
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. More stance stability, harder to flex

   Moving the knee centre posterior to the TKA line keeps the load line in front of the knee, increasing stance stability but making it harder to start knee flexion for swing. Anterior placement makes the knee easier to flex but less stable.

   Reference: Lusardi, Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation, 4th ed.