Analysis of below-knee suspension systems: effect on gait

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Below-knee prostheses are crucial for mobility in amputees.
• Effective suspension systems are vital for comfortable and functional prosthetic use.
• Variability in residual limb anatomy presents challenges for prosthetic suspension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of seven distinct suspension systems for below-knee prostheses.
• To identify key gait parameters influenced by different suspension types.
• To determine factors influencing the suitability of suspension systems for individual amputees.

Main Methods:

• Gait analysis of 20 adult, unilateral below-knee amputees walking with prostheses.
• Measurement of body accelerations (longitudinal and vertical), forward velocity, and knee movement.
• Assessment of axial (piston) movement of the residual limb within the prosthesis socket.
• Harmonic analysis of waveform data to differentiate suspension system performance.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in gait parameters were observed across the seven suspension systems.
• Harmonic analysis effectively distinguished the performance characteristics of each suspension.
• No single suspension system was universally superior for all participants.
• Residual limb length and shape were identified as critical factors in suspension appropriateness.

Conclusions:

• The choice of suspension system for below-knee prostheses should be individualized.
• Residual limb characteristics significantly impact the effectiveness of prosthetic suspension.
• Further research into tailored suspension solutions is warranted for optimal prosthetic outcomes.