Transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with carbon-fiber plate: enhanced gait function.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the design of a transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate would improve gait pattern in patients with transmetatarsal amputations.


METHODS
In the gait laboratory in a tertiary medical center, eight male patients with transmetatarsal amputations were recruited. Nine able-bodied male volunteers were recruited as the control group. A full-length standard shoe and a transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate were the footwear used. Our transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis included a custom-molded insole, a mounted toe filler, and a thin, lightweight, carbon-fiber plate incorporated directly beneath the insole.


RESULTS
After wearing the transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate, the results of the kinetic and kinematic studies were summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
The transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate improved gait pattern significantly in patients with transmetatarsal amputations. Drastic shoe modifications are not necessary to have the prosthesis inserted. The carbon-fiber plate functions like the spring-steel shank within the sole of the shoe. The carbon-fiber plate, the toe filler, and the total-contact insole are all mounted as a whole to ensure better foot contact. Therefore, our transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate can be a good alternative choice of footwear in patients with transmetatarsal amputations.
Tang
Simon F T
SF
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Chen
Carl P C
CP
Chen
Max J L
MJ
Chen
Weng-Pin
WP
Leong
Chau-Peng
CP
Chu
Ngok-Kiu
NK
D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D002244:Carbon; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design
D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D002244:Carbon