Article

Modern prosthetic systems with more degrees of freedom offer the
patient clearly improved functions. However, the influence of functional arm
prostheses on body posture and gait have never been quantified. Objectives: The
purpose of this investigation was to observe the impact of a functional arm
prosthesis on body posture and gait of shoulder disarticulation patients. Study
Design: Experimental, biomechanical. Methods: Eight patients with unilateral
shoulder disarticulation were enrolled. Static posture and gait analyses were
conducted with and without using a functional arm prosthesis. Static posture
analysis using the L.A.S.A.R. Posture device as well as kinematic and kinetic
gait analysis using an optoelectronic camera system combined with force plates
were conducted with and without prosthesis in eight unilateral shoulder
disarticulation patients. Results: Static analysis confirmed that an arm
prosthesis improves body posture of amputees. Gait analysis revealed that
compensatory movements during walking as well as external knee moments on the
prosthetic side leg are significantly reduced when using a free swinging shoulder
joint. Conclusions: An arm prosthesis does not only offer functional and cosmetic
benefits. The results confirm that unilateral shoulder disarticulation patients
benefit from a functional arm prosthesis with a free swinging shoulder joint in
terms of optimized posture and gait dynamics. Clinical relevance This study
demonstrates that shoulder disarticulation patients benefit from a functional
prosthesis with a free swinging shoulder joint. Such prosthesis significantly
improves body posture and gait characteristics, reduces compensatory movements
and relieves distress to the musculoskeletal system. This should be considered
when prescribing a prosthesis for shoulder disarticulation amputees.

Langue : ANGLAIS