Powered knee and ankle prosthesis use with a K2 level ambulator: a case report.

Powered prosthetic knees and ankles have the capability of restoring power to the missing joints and potential to provide increased functional mobility to users. Nearly all development with these advanced prostheses is with individuals who are high functioning community level ambulators even though limited community ambulators may also receive great benefit from these devices. We trained a 70 year old male participant with a unilateral transfemoral amputation to use a powered knee and powered ankle prosthesis.

The impact of added mass placement on metabolic and temporal-spatial characteristics of transfemoral prosthetic gait.

Background: Despite prosthetic technology advancements, individuals with transfemoral amputation have compromised temporal-spatial gait parameters and high metabolic requirements for ambulation. It is unclear how adding mass at different locations on a transfemoral prosthesis might affect these outcomes. Research question Does walking with mass added at different locations on a transfemoral prosthesis affect temporal-spatial gait parameters and metabolic requirements compared to walking with no additional mass?

Methods: Fourteen participants with unilateral transfemoral amputations took part.

Ambulation Control System Design for a Hybrid Knee Prosthesis.

Prosthetic knees available to individuals with transfemoral amputation seek to restore functional ability to the user. Passive prosthetic knees are lightweight but can restore only limited, dissipative ambulation activities whereas active knees can provide energy to restore additional ambulation activities such as stair climbing and standing up from a chair. Semi-active prosthetic devices aim to only power a subset of activities and use passive components and control when that power is not necessary.

The effect of custom carbon ankle-foot orthosis alignment on roll-over shape and center of pressure velocity.

Background: Maintaining an optimal rolling of the foot over the ground is thought to increase the stability and efficiency of pathologic gait. Ankle-foot orthoses are often prescribed to improve gait mechanics in individuals with lower extremity injuries; however, their design may compromise how the foot rolls over the ground.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the sagittal plane ankle-foot orthosis alignment on roll-over shape and center of pressure velocity in individuals with lower limb reconstructions.

Clinical Outcomes with the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis: A Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction: Severe lower limb injuries have a negative impact on many aspects of an individual's life. One rehabilitative option for patients who have undergone limb salvage is the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO). The IDEO is a custom-made dynamic response device which is used to restore function for patients with a wide variety of injuries.

Evaluation of NU-FlexSIV Socket Performance for Military Service Members with Transfemoral Amputation.

Unlabelled: Ischial containment sockets are the current standard of care for military service members with transfemoral amputation. However, they fit intimately with the ischium, which may limit hip motion and contribute to proximal socket discomfort, a common complaint among prosthesis users. Subischial sockets, such as the newly described Northwestern University Flexible Subischial Vacuum (NU-FlexSIV) Socket technique, do not interact with the ischium, potentially increasing hip motion and improving comfort.

Upper Extremity Amputation and Prosthetics Care Across the Active Duty Military and Veteran Populations.

The hand and arm are exceptionally dexterous, exquisitely sensitive, and proficient in performing tasks and functions. Given the invaluable functions of the upper extremity in daily life, replacement of a missing limb through prosthetic substitution is challenging. Prosthetic and rehabilitation needs of injured Service members from recent military conflicts have brought upper extremity amputation to the forefront, which has led to an increase in attention and resource allocation.

Effects of altering heel wedge properties on gait with the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis.

Background: The Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis is a custom-made dynamic response carbon fiber device. A heel wedge, which sits in the shoe, is an integral part of the orthosis-heel wedge-shoe system. Because the device restricts ankle movement, the system must compensate to simulate plantarflexion and allow smooth forward progression during gait.

A scoping literature review of the provision of orthoses and prostheses in resource-limited environments 2000-2010. Part one: considerations for success.

Study Design: Literature Review

Background: We estimate that over 29 million people worldwide in resource-limited environments (RLEs) are in need of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) devices and services.

Objectives: Our goal was to ascertain the current state of O&P provision in RLEs and identify factors that may lead to more successful O&P provision.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive scoping literature review of all information related to O&P provision in RLEs published from 2000 to 2010.

A scoping literature review of the provision of orthoses and prostheses in resource-limited environments 2000-2010. Part two: research and outcomes.

Background: Despite the activities of many orthotic and prosthetic provision organizations in resource-limited environments, there is still a great need and there are several areas for improvement, as identified in Part One of this series.

Objectives: Our goal was to examine outcomes and conclusions of research studies to produce an evidence base for determining factors that may lead to successful provision of orthoses and prostheses in resource-limited environments.

Study Design: Literature review.

Á priori alignment of transtibial prostheses: a comparison and evaluation of three methods.

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to compare three á priori alignment methods and evaluate them based on initial gait quality and further alignment changes required to optimize gait. Á priori alignment is requisite for monolimbs, transtibial prostheses in which the socket and pylon are made from one piece of plastic, because monolimbs have no alignment adjustability.

Method: The three methods investigated were traditional bench alignment (TRAD), vertical alignment axis (VAA) and anatomical based alignment (ABA).

Plastic soda bottles: a reusable material for making transradial sockets.

This paper describes a new fabrication process for making low-cost transradial sockets using recyclable plastic soda bottles. Easy, fast, and inexpensive to fabricate, the resulting socket can be used as a temporary device for stump care. Multiple sockets can be made and individually incorporated with various terminal devices for light-duty self-care or functional activities, such as feeding, showering, typing, swimming, or gardening.