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The effects of prosthetic foot roll-over shape arc length on the gait of trans-tibial prosthesis users.

The Shape&Roll prosthetic foot was used to examine the effect of roll-over shape arc length on the gait of 14 unilateral trans-tibial prosthesis users. Simple modifications to the prosthetic foot were used to alter the effective forefoot rocker length, leaving factors such as alignment, limb length, and heel and mid-foot characteristics unchanged. Shortening the roll-over shape arc length caused a significant reduction in the maximum external dorsiflexion moment on the prosthetic side at all walking speeds (p < 0.001 for main effect of arc length), due to a reduction in forefoot leverage (moment arm) about the ankle. Roll-over shape arc length significantly affected the initial loading on the sound limb at normal and fast speeds (p = 0.001 for the main effect of arc length), with participants experiencing larger first peaks of vertical ground reaction forces on their sound limbs when using the foot with the shortest effective forefoot rocker arc length. Additionally, the difference between step lengths on the sound and prosthetic limbs was larger with the shortest arc length condition, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06 for main effect). It appears that prosthesis users may experience a drop-off effect at the end of single limb stance on prosthetic feet with short roll-over shape arc lengths, leading to increased loading and/or a shortened step on the contralateral limb.

Adult↗

Management of the multiple limb amputee.

ISSUE: Multiple limb amputations involving at least one upper extremity are very uncommon. The amputation of both an upper and lower limb is even more uncommon. Due to the rarity of these amputations therapists are uncertain regarding the most appropriate treatment methods. While the majority of the protocols used for single limb amputations are appropriate for these multiple limb amputees, there are differences. Loss of multiple limbs creates a problem of overheating for the individual. Loss of an arm and leg results in difficulty donning the prostheses and difficulty using crutches and parallel bars during mobilization. METHOD: A review is given of 16 multiple limb amputees seen in our rehabilitation centre in the last 15 years. Return to work was seen in one third and was not related to the number of the amputations. A higher proportion of these multiple limb amputations occur through alcoholism or attempted suicide behaviour than occurs with either single upper limb amputations or lower limb amputations. This existing behaviour can create a management problem for the rehabilitation team during rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Guidelines as to appropriate prosthetic and preprosthetic care are provided to assist the practitioner who has the acute and long term care of these patients. All multiple limb amputees should be referred to a specialized rehabilitation centre to discuss prosthetic options and long term rehabilitation requirements. This paper does not discuss bilateral lower limb amputations when not combined with an upper limb amputation.

Adult↗

Effects of isometric muscle training on residual limb volume, strength, and gait of below-knee amputees.

This study was undertaken to determine if prosthetic suspension capabilities of below-knee amputees could be improved by using biofeedback in a controlled exercise program. Improvements in muscle bulk of four amputees were assessed. Changes in transverse cross-sectional areas and suspension ability of the residual limb were measured. The effect of muscle training on gait and on muscle-use patterns during gait was observed. Marked increases in muscle bulk below the knee and improvement in suspension capabilities were seen in two of the subjects, and somewhat lesser improvements were seen in the remaining two subjects. From these changes, one could modify prosthetic designs to take advantage of the residual limb muscles for suspension. For this reason, training the below-knee amputee to exercise the residual limb musculature should become part of routine physical therapy management. In this study, biofeedback was proven to be a useful tool for the reeducation of the residual limb musculature.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Amputation as a salvage for patients with incapacitating infected fractures of the lower limbs.

Most serious lower-limb injuries with severe bone and soft tissue damage heal when treated wisely by techniques available today. Unfortunately, a small percentage of patients face prolonged physical and economic disability as a result of extensive damage to bone and soft tissue, nonunion of fractures with infection, nerve and blood-vessel injury, and complications of surgical treatment. Every effort should be made to effect union by established methods but a small percentage of fractures do not heal satisfactorily. Failure of infected lower-limb fractures to unite after prolonged treatment or the prospect of prolonged treatment or the prospect of prolonged morbidity and disability occasionally justify amputation in one lower limb. When a lower-limb prosthesis can provide stability support, and mobility painlessly, and overcome the morbidity and disability of an infected ununited fracture, amputation may be the treatment of choice. In the present review of our experiences in the past 17 years with patients having severly injured and diseased lower limbs where little chance existed for rehabilitation to acceptable levels of function by various methods of treatment, open amputation through infected bone followed by secondary closure was chosen to salvage the unfortunate patient with littlw chance of achieving acceptable function after infected ununited fractures of the lower limbs.

Adult↗

Transtibial energy-storage-and-return prosthetic devices: a review of energy concepts and a proposed nomenclature.

Prosthetic devices that can store and return energy during gait enhance the mobility and functionality of lower-limb amputees. The process of selecting and fitting such devices is complicated, partly because of confusing literature on the topic. Gait analysis methods for measuring energy characteristics are often incomplete, leading to inconsistencies in the energy classifications of different products. These inconsistencies are part of the reason for the lack of universally accurate terminology in the field. Inaccurate terminology perpetuates misunderstanding. In this paper, important prosthetic energy concepts and methods for measuring energy characteristics are reviewed. Then a technically accurate nomenclature and a method of functional classification are proposed. This review and proposed classification scheme should help to alleviate confusion and should facilitate enhancement of the design, selection, and fitting of prosthetic limbs for amputee patients.

Amputees↗

Suction socket suspension for below-knee amputees.

In this study the current use of suction suspension for below-knee prostheses is examined by means of two questionnaire surveys. The experience of 56 below-knee (B-K) amputees wearing suction socket prostheses is evaluated comparing suction prostheses with previously worn limbs. A high degree of satisfaction was found, with amputees on the whole reporting improved skin condition, diminished pain, and increased activity levels compared to previous prosthetic history. The experience and opinions of 466 certified prosthetist members of the American Orthotist Prosthetist Association are examined in the second survey, including degree of contact, success, and evaluation of problems in using suction suspension for the B-K amputee. This survey indicated limited contact and familiarity with B-K suction suspension, with only 22% stating they had made this type of prosthesis. Prosthetists cited characteristics of the B-K residual limb as the chief deterrent to a successful fitting.

Adult↗

Functional status in children with limb deficiency: development and initial validation of an outcome measure.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new outcome measure in response to the increasing demands for cost effectiveness analyses and empirically derived outcome instruments in the treatment of pediatric limb deficiency. This article describes the development, refinement, and initial psychometric properties of the Child Amputee Prosthetics Project-Functional Status Inventory (CAPP-FSI). DESIGN: Parents of children with limb deficiency were surveyed during routine clinic visits. SETTING: Two outpatient pediatric clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-five parents and their children with limb deficiency (ages 8 to 17 years) participated in the study as part of annual physical evaluations or routine follow-up care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The newly developed CAPP-FSI. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) = .96 for the CAPP-FSI. Content validity is described and initial construct validity is empirically confirmed. CONCLUSION: The CAPP-FSI is a promising assessment instrument for measuring important health outcomes in children with upper or lower limb deficiency.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Rehabilitation in limb deficiency. 2. The pediatric amputee.

This self-directed learning module highlights advances in the evaluation and management of the pediatric amputee. It is part of the chapter on rehabilitation in limb deficiency in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article discusses the etiology and terminology of childhood limb deficiency. Developmental milestones are used as a guide to prescribing prosthetic devices for children, and tables suggesting such guidelines are included. Specific clinical examples are provided to illustrate management issues. Advances that are covered include limb-sparing procedures in the management of lower extremity malignancy.

Adolescent↗

Functional status in limb deficiency: development of an outcome measure for preschool children.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an outcome measure of functional status in preschool children with limb deficiency. DESIGN: Parents of preschool children with limb deficiency completed self-report measures during a routine medical clinic visit. SETTING: Outpatient pediatric clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two parents of children (ages 4 to 7) with acquired or congenital limb deficiency. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The newly developed Child Amputee Prosthetics Project-Functional Status Inventory for Preschool children (CAPP-FSIP). RESULTS: Initial psychometric studies indicate high internal consistency reliability of the new instrument. Content validity was established through expert clinician review. Initial construct validity analyses confirm that the CAPP-FSIP discriminates between children with upper and lower deficiency and their prosthesis use for functional activities. CONCLUSION: The CAPP-FSIP is a promising new measure for evaluating preschool age children with limb deficiency.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Isokinetic strength and endurance of the knee extensors and flexors in trans-tibial amputees.

Significant levels of muscular fatigue alter the co-ordination patterns and the ability to accomplish proper daily functions, especially in patients with initial low levels of strength. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strength and endurance of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in trans-tibial amputees. Concentric strength and endurance of the thigh muscles were measured bilaterally by an isokinetic dynamometer. The measured variables were torque and angle. For the endurance test, a fatigue index was calculated. Peak torque for extension and flexion was significantly higher in the sound limb (p<0.01). The fatigue index for extension was not significantly different in the sound limb from the amputated limb. The fatigue index for flexion is significantly higher in the sound limb (p<0.01). The finding may imply that from a metabolic point of view, the muscles of the amputated limb function properly. It is of great importance to reduce the bilateral deficit and the degree of atrophy as soon as possible in order to improve the level of performance. By choosing a correct strength and endurance training programme, one may expect to get a significant and good reaction from the muscles of the amputated limb as is expected from training the muscles of a sound limb.

Adaptation, Physiological↗