The Mauch hydraulic knee unit for above knee amputation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Above-knee amputees often face challenges in achieving a natural gait.
• Traditional prosthetic knees may not fully replicate the biomechanics of normal walking.
• The development of advanced prosthetic components is crucial for improving amputee mobility and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptance and functional outcomes of the Mauch SNS hydraulic knee unit in above-knee amputees.
• To assess the impact of hydraulic knee technology on gait quality, stability, and patient-reported fatigue.
• To determine the overall success rate of hydraulic knee prostheses in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 61 above-knee amputees were fitted with 70 Mauch SNS hydraulic knee units.
• Patient acceptance and prosthetic rejection rates were systematically recorded.
• Patient-reported outcomes, including gait smoothness, cadence variability, activity levels, stability, falls, and fatigue, were collected.

Main Results:

• An overall acceptance rate of 93% was observed among the patients fitted with the hydraulic knee units.
• Excluding two cases with inappropriate prescriptions, the acceptance rate increased to 97%.
• A significant majority of patients reported benefits such as smoother gait, improved cadence control, increased activity, enhanced stance phase stability, fewer falls, and reduced fatigue.

Conclusions:

• The Mauch SNS hydraulic knee unit demonstrates high patient acceptance and provides significant functional benefits for above-knee amputees.
• Hydraulic knee technology offers a viable solution for simulating normal gait, leading to improved mobility and quality of life.
• Proper prescription and fitting are essential for maximizing the success of advanced prosthetic knee systems.