A new modular six-bar linkage trans-femoral prosthesis for walking and squatting

Four-bar linkage mechanisms produced by many designers of knee joints for trans-femoral prostheses can provide knee rotation to permit walking only. In Afro-Asian countries people are accustomed to a squatting posture in their daily activities. A six-bar linkage knee-ankle mechanism trans-femoral prosthesis is described which was developed and fitted to an amputee. The motion patterns of the ankle, knee and thigh during walking and squatting (obtained using a flickering light emitting diode system) for the above prosthesis is compared with motion patterns obtained for normal subjects. The closeness between both the patterns establishes the suitability of the new modular trans-femoral prosthesis for producing near normal patterns of motion during walking and squatting. The additional facility of cross-legged sitting provided in the prosthesis makes it functionally suitable for Afro-Asian amputees.