Article

A prosthesis that is not optimally aligned can adversely influence
the rehabilitation and health of the amputee. Very few studies to date evaluate
the effectiveness and utility of instrument-assisted alignment techniques in
clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To compare an instrument-assisted dynamic
alignment technique (Compas()) to conventional methods.
STUDY DESIGN: In a
crossover study design, dynamic prosthetic alignments were provided to nine
individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations to compare conventional and
instrument-assisted alignment techniques. METHODS: The instrument-assisted
technique involved a commercially available force and torque sensing dynamic
alignment system (Compas). Cadence, pelvic accelerations, and socket moments were
assessed. A custom questionnaire was used to gather user perceptions. RESULTS: No
differences between alignment techniques were found in global gait measures
including cadence and pelvic accelerations. No significant alignment differences
were achieved by examination of angular changes between the socket and foot;
however, significantly higher below-the-socket moments were found with the
instrument-assisted technique. From the questionnaire, six amputees had no
preference, while three preferred the conventional alignment. CONCLUSION: The use
of Compas appears to produce similar alignment results as conventional
techniques, although with slightly higher moments at the socket. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides new information about the clinical utilization of
instrument-assisted prosthetic alignment techniques for individuals with
transtibial amputation.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS