Clinical field-testing of ATLAS prosthetic system for trans-tibial amputees

The ATLAS prosthetic system was tested on 81 trans-tibial amputees in two tropical areas and followed for about two years. At the conclusion 19% (15/81) had given up its use; mostly because of unsatisfactory socket fit, but in 7% (6/81) system related failures were the cause of non-compliance; mostly because of a shrieking noise from the shin-foot piece during use. System related failures were encountered in 62% (41/66) of users; the most serious threat to patient safety was fractures of the shank in 39% (26/66) and badly worn feet in 12% (8/66). With a failure rate of about 41% after one and a half years the ATLAS system is considered unacceptable for general use in trans-tibial amputees.