Immediate effects of a new microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint: a comparative biomechanical evaluation

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Prosthetics
• Amputee Rehabilitation

Background:

• Microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees aim to restore natural gait mechanics.
• Evaluating immediate biomechanical effects of new prosthetic knee joints is crucial for user adaptation and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate biomechanical effects of transitioning to the Genium microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee compared to the C-Leg.

Main Methods:

• Intervention cross-over study with repeated measures in a motion analysis laboratory.
• Participants: 11 men with unilateral transfemoral amputation (Medicare functional classification level 3-4).
• Interventions: C-Leg and Genium prosthetic knee joints; Outcome Measures: static alignment, time-distance, kinematics, kinetics, and center of pressure.

Main Results:

• The Genium demonstrated lower ground reaction forces during weight acceptance and increased swing phase flexion on ramps and during small steps.
• Genium facilitated more physiological step-over-step stair ascent with better load distribution and a more natural gait pattern.
• During quiet stance on a decline, Genium users exhibited higher prosthetic knee loading, reducing hip joint load and postural sway.

Conclusions:

• The Genium prosthetic knee showed immediate biomechanical advantages over the C-Leg during various daily activities.
• These advantages may lead to increased activity range and diversity for individuals with above-knee amputations.
• Genium use promoted more natural gait biomechanics and improved load distribution across the musculoskeletal system.