Transverse rotation and longitudinal translation during prosthetic gait-A literature review

Abstract

Abstract-Improved technology allows for more accurate gait analysis to increase awareness of nonoptimized prosthetic gait patterns and for the manufacture of sophisticated prosthetic components to improve nonoptimized gait patterns. However, prescriptions are often based on intuition rather than rigorous research findings for evidence-based practice. The number of studies found in the literature that are based on prosthetic research regarding transverse rotation and longitudinal translation is small when compared to topics regarding other types of movements. Some design criteria for prosthetic components described in those studies that permit transverse rotation and longitudinal translation can be found in current designs. However, little research has been conducted to establish their effectiveness on the gait parameters and residual limb. This literature review is an investigation into these motions between the socket and the prosthetic foot, with particular reference to gait characteristics and prosthetic design criteria.

Stance phase mechanical characterization of transtibial prostheses distal to the socket: A review

“…Following selection for relevance and including those resulting from the secondary search, we identified 36 articles that satisfied the criteria [2][3][5][6][7][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. In addition, five relevant review articles were identified [1,[8][9][11][12]. In the following section, the approaches to characterization are considered under two broad headings: lumped parameter based methods and roll-over curve based methods.…”

“…In this study, subjects preferred the prosthesis with the pylon activated. Apart from in vivo studies that compare differences in gait with and without the presence of vertical pylon compliance [12,15,[46][47][48][49][50][51], we are not aware of any studies of the effects on gait performance of changing the properties of vertical shock-absorbing pylons (AIPPs). However, a study by Coleman et al made observations on the effects of pylon bending stiffness on transtibial amputee gait [36].…”

“…Furthermore, apart from in vivo studies that compare differences in gait with and without the presence of rotational pylon compliance through the addition of a transverse rotation adaptor [12,[52][53][54], we are not aware of any studies of the effects on gait performance of changing the properties of these adaptors (AIPPs). One case study was identified in which rotational stiffness (assumed to be those values provided by the manufacturer for the internal torsion component or "rod") was modulated in order to observe the effects on the specific kinematics of a golf swing (e.g., hip and shoulder rotation) of two transtibial amputees [37].…”

“…Unfortunately, to date the vast majority of studies investigating the effects of prosthesis design on amputee performance have compared different products in terms of their biomechanical and physiological effects, without characterizing AIPPs [8][9][10][11][12]. Because the primary information distinguishing the prostheses is their trade names and/or classification (e.g., conventional or energy storage and return [ESAR] in the case of prosthetic feet [1]), this approach can only indicate their relative performance but cannot provide information on why a particular prosthesis performs better than the next.…”

A cam-displacement transducer device for measuring small two-degree of freedom inter-component motion in a prosthesis

“…It is claimed by manufacturers to reduce the forces acting on the residual limb during gait by simulating to a limited extent the absent kinematic functions and shock absorbing properties of the anatomical limb. These claimed advantages are clinically important, as residual limb tissue damage and joint problems, which may, at least in part, be attributable to rigid prosthetic devices, are significant problems for many lower limb amputees [1]. However, the effectiveness of this type of adapter in achieving its goals is, as yet, poorly described and this paper outlines the design of a new tool for the evaluation of the motion that occurs at the adapter during gait.…”