Rehabilitation of People with Lower-Limb Amputations

Abstract

Rehabilitation of persons with lower-limb amputation is a complex endeavor that requires the consideration of a multitude of factors. This article provides an overview of the current practice of prosthesis prescription, mobility training, and the utilization of wheeled mobility options in the clinical care for this population. Recent technological advancements have helped fit persons with lower-limb amputation with more functional, better fitting, and less activity-limiting artificial limbs and wheelchairs. This is exemplified in modern computer-controlled prosthetic components and biomechanically optimized socketfitting methods, as well as light weight and versatile wheelchairs to supplement or replace prosthetic devices. In the research setting, technology has enabled new approaches to the kinematic and kinetic assessment of prosthetic interventions, and the development of more accurate fitting and evaluation methods. Despite the noted progress in the field, there is still a considerable gap between the functionality of a sound leg and even the most advanced prosthesis. It can be predicted that continued research efforts will be undertaken to further close this gap.

Stochastic Resonance Reduces Sway and Gait Variability in Individuals With Unilateral Transtibial Amputation: A Pilot Study

“…Although current prosthetic designs may adequately replace the mechanical structures of the amputated limb (Fiedler et al, 2014), there is currently no adequate, non-invasive solution for the sensory loss. In the present study, a novel approach to minimizing the sensory deficits of amputation was explored by aiming to enhance gait-and posture-relevant sensory information conferred by the prosthetic leg.…”

Suitability of ‘Guidelines for Screening of Prosthetic Candidates: Lower Limb’ for the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A qualitative study

“…De Boer-Wilzing et al ( 2011 ) and Roffman et al ( 2014 ) showed that long prosthetic waiting times negatively affect prosthetic use and function. In fairness, these people should be offered an opportunity to recover lost strength and rebuild capacity (Fiedler et al 2014 ) after which the tool can be completed again.…”

Development of an Easy and Effective Attachment System for Lower Limb Prosthesis

“…4. The guiding mechanism was divided into two function phases, pulling and retracting the nylon wire in order to guide the pin until the housing: (1) In the first phase, the nylon wire is pulled up to the distal area of residual limb and it is connected to the end of the pin through a nut at the end of the wire. The pulling of the nylon wire causes the movement of the spool towards the counter clockwise direction and the roller (d) moves in the curved trough.…”

“…Lower-limb amputation is one of the oldest known surgically performed procedures, due to trauma, vascular disease, congenital malformations and tumours [1]. People with lower limb amputation (LLA) relies on prosthetics to replace the lost limb functions, pinpoint as a crucial element in rehabilitation [2].…”