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Prostheses for persons with lower-limb amputations: an extra joint increases range of motion
C A Short1, C M O'Connell, R L Kirby
1Dalhousie University, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, QEII Health Science Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 22, 1999
Summary
Adding an extra joint to prosthetic limbs significantly improved range of motion and daily function for two individuals with lower-limb amputation. This innovative modification enhanced mobility, addressing workplace and home disability.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Individuals with unilateral lower-limb amputation often experience functional limitations due to restricted joint range of motion in their prostheses.
- Pre-existing prosthetic designs may not adequately address specific functional deficits, impacting workplace and daily activities.
- Case studies highlight the need for customized solutions to overcome limitations in hip and knee flexion.
Observation:
- Two patients with unilateral lower-limb amputation presented with functional impairments related to inadequate hip and knee flexion.
- The first patient, a hemipelvectomy amputee, lacked sufficient hip flexion for professional activities.
- The second patient, with a transfemoral prosthesis, had insufficient knee flexion for tasks requiring kneeling.
Findings:
- The addition of a manual-locking, single-axis knee joint adjacent to the existing joint successfully enhanced range of motion in both cases.
- Hip flexion improved from 125 to 190 degrees in the hemipelvectomy patient.
- Knee flexion improved from 140 to 170 degrees in the transfemoral amputee patient.
Implications:
- The strategic addition of an extra joint is a viable and effective intervention for improving functional outcomes in amputees with range-of-motion deficits.
- This approach offers a potential solution for enhancing prosthetic performance and patient satisfaction.
- Further consideration of dual-joint prosthetics may be warranted for individuals experiencing functional limitations due to restricted joint mobility.