Ambulation With a Transfemoral Bone-Anchored Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthesis: a Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Powered prosthetic legs offer improved mobility for lower limb amputees.
• Challenges remain for transfemoral amputees with short residual limbs.
• Osseointegration provides a stable bone-anchored interface for prosthetic attachment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, functionality, and user experience of a combined osseointegration and powered knee-ankle prosthesis.
• To evaluate the performance of the Hybrid Knee and Polycentric Ankle system in a transfemoral amputee with a very short residual limb.

Main Methods:

• A case study involving a 39-year-old female with a very short residual limb.
• Utilized a powered knee-ankle prosthesis connected to an osseointegrated implant.
• Training included level-ground and incline walking, stair climbing, and sit-to-stand transfers.

Main Results:

• Successful ambulation across all tested activities.
• Demonstrated ease in reciprocal stair climbing and improved sit-to-stand movements compared to a passive prosthesis.
• User reported benefits from powered knee swing assist, ankle plantarflexion, and knee extension power.

Conclusions:

• The combination of osseointegration and powered prosthetics shows significant potential for enhancing mobility and function.
• This approach offers a promising solution for transfemoral amputees facing challenges with short residual limbs.
• Further research is warranted to explore the full capabilities of this integrated prosthetic technology.