Influence of rotators on the kinematic adaptations in stubby prosthetic gait.
We report on the results of gait analysis in a patient with bilateral knee disarticulation amputations who used short nonarticulated prosthetic limbs (stubbies) to meet his ambulation needs over an extended period. To compensate for the loss of knee and ankle articulations, exaggerated pelvic obliquity (hip hiking), transverse pelvic rotation, and hip abduction were needed to ensure limb clearance and a functional step length. The addition of rotators to the prostheses improved gait velocity and reduced the perceived exertion of walking by favorably altering center of mass energetics.
Gitter
Andrew
A
Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78229-3900, USA.
Paynter
Kisten
K
Walden
Gail
G
Darm
Tom
T
D000328:Adult; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004188:Disarticulation / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design