BS ISO 8549-2:2020

What is ISO 8549-2 about?  

ISO 8549-2 defines terms used to describe external limb prostheses and the wearers of external limb prostheses. 

ISO 8549-2 provides standardized vocabulary of terminologies used for external limb prostheses and wearers of these prostheses. Thus, ensuring consistency and eliminating ambiguities in terms while practicing prosthetics. 

Note: For the purposes of ISO 8549-2, the abbreviated term 'prosthetics' and its derivatives only apply to external limb prosthetics.  

Who is ISO 8549-2 for? 

ISO 8549-2 on general terms external limb prostheses and wearers of these prostheses-vocabulary is useful for: 

• Professionals involved in prostetics and orthotics 
• Manufacturers and suppliers of external limb prostheses and orthoses 
• Epidemiologists  
• National health officials 

Why should you use ISO 8549-2? 

There existed no internationally accepted terminology to describe the various areas of prosthetic and orthotic practice, the categories of prosthetic and orthotic devices and the personnel involved in the supply of these devices. Consequently, the members of the clinic teams in different countries and working in different facilities had developed their own terminology to meet their own needs. 

The terms and definitions provided in ISO 8549-2 reflect the changes in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. They will help you describe, in a standardized manner, the devices supplied and the users of these devices. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

This second edition BS ISO 8549-2:2020 replaces the first edition ISO 8549-2:1989, which has been technically revised. 

The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows: 

• The list of terms and definitions of amputation levels (see 3.1) has been augmented to include the full range of commonly performed partial foot and partial hand amputations.