Showing papers in "Prosthetics and Orthotics International in 2007"

Upper limb prosthesis use and abandonment: A survey of the last 25 years:

Abstract: This review presents an analytical and comparative survey of upper limb prosthesis acceptance and abandonment as documented over the past 25 years, detailing areas of consumer dissatisfaction and ongoing technological advancements. English-language articles were identified in a search of Ovid, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science (1980 until February 2006) for key words upper limb and prosthesis. Articles focused on upper limb prostheses and addressing: (i) Factors associated with abandonment; (ii) Rejection rates; (iii) Functional analyses and patterns of wear; and (iv) Consumer satisfaction, were extracted with the exclusion of those detailing tools for outcome measurement, case studies, and medical procedures. Approximately 200 articles were included in the review process with 40 providing rates of prosthesis rejection. Quantitative measures of population characteristics, study methodology, and prostheses in use were extracted from each article. Mean rejection rates of 45% and 35% were observed in the literature for body-powered and electric prostheses respectively in pediatric populations. Significantly lower rates of rejection for both body-powered (26%) and electric (23%) devices were observed in adult populations while the average incidence of non-wear was similar for pediatric (16%) and adult (20%) populations. Documented rates of rejection exhibit a wide range of variance, possibly due to the heterogeneous samples involved and methodological differences between studies. Future research should comprise of controlled, multifactor studies adopting standardized outcome measures in order to promote comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting prosthesis use and abandonment. An enhanced understanding of these factors is needed to optimize prescription practices, guide design efforts, and satiate demand for evidence-based measures of intervention.

Results of an Internet survey of myoelectric prosthetic hand users

Abstract: The results of a survey of 54 persons with upper limb amputations who anonymously completed a questionnaire on an Internet homepage are presented. The survey ran for four years and the participants were divided into groups of females, males, and children. It was found that the most individuals employ their myoelectric hand prosthesis for 8 hours or more. However, the survey also revealed a high level of dissatisfaction with the weight and the grasping speed of the devices. Activities for which prostheses should be useful were stated to include handicrafts, personal hygiene, using cutlery, operation of electronic and domestic devices, and dressing/undressing. Moreover, additional functions, e.g., a force feedback system, independent movements of the thumb, the index finger, and the wrist, and a better glove material are priorities that were identified by the users as being important improvements the users would like to see in myoelectric prostheses.

Clinical applications of sensors for human posture and movement analysis: a review.

Abstract: Measurement of human posture and movement is an important area of research in the bioengineering and rehabilitation fields. Various attempts have been initiated for different clinical application goals, such as diagnosis of pathological posture and movements, assessment of pre- and post-treatment efficacy and comparison of different treatment protocols. Image-based methods for measurements of human posture and movements have been developed, such as the photogrammetry, optoelectric technique and video analysis. However, it is found that these methods are complicated to set up, time-consuming to operate and could only be applied in laboratory environments. Electronic sensors and systems with advanced technology, namely accelerometer, gyroscope, flexible angular sensor, electromagnetic tracking system and sensing fabrics, have been developed and applied to solve the relevant application problems of the image-based methods. Nonetheless, other problems for using these electronic sensors emerged, including the environment influence and signal extraction difficulties. Further development of these electronic sensors and measurement methods could enhance their clinical applications in institutional as well as community levels. This article reviews the possible applications of these electronic sensors and systems, and precautions of their applications in analysis of human posture and movement. Such information would help researchers and clinicians in selecting and developing the most appropriate measurement techniques of using the electronic sensors for clinical applications of human posture and movement analysis.

Comparison between the C-leg microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee and non-microprocessor control prosthetic knees: a preliminary study of energy expenditure, obstacle course performance, and quality of life survey.

Abstract: This study investigated energy expenditure and obstacle course negotiation between the C-leg® and various non-microprocessor control (NMC) prosthetic knees and compared a quality of life survey (SF...

Advanced Trans-Tibial Socket Fabrication Using Selective Laser Sintering

Abstract: There have been a variety of efforts demonstrating the use of solid freeform fabrication (SFF) for prosthetic socket fabrication though there has been little effort in leveraging the strengths of the technology. SFF encompasses a class of technologies that can create three dimensional objects directly from a geometric database without specific tooling or human intervention. A real strength of SFF is that cost of fabrication is related to the volume of the part, not the part's complexity. For prosthetic socket fabrication this means that a sophisticated socket can be fabricated at essentially the same cost as a simple socket. Adding new features to a socket design becomes a function of software. The work at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and University of Texas at Austin (UTA) has concentrated on developing advanced sockets that incorporate structural features to increase comfort as well as built in fixtures to accommodate industry standard hardware. Selective laser ...

The thermal conductivity of prosthetic sockets and liners

Abstract: Elevated stump skin temperatures and the accompanying thermal discomfort are side effects of prosthesis use that may reduce amputee quality of life, particularly in hot or humid surroundings. Lower...

Short-term effect of physiotherapy rehabilitation on functional performance of lower limb amputees

Abstract: The objective of the trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a short and intensive physiotherapy programme versus usual care, mainly consisting of walking. Fifty-eight male unilateral lower limb...

Lower limb amputations: Differences between the genders and long-term survival

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to evaluate possible differences between genders in amputation incidence, revascularization activity before and survival after amputation. This population-based study was carried out in a well-defined geographical area, where all vascular surgical consultations and reconstructions are performed in one university hospital. All amputations performed in the region during 1990 - 1999 were identified from the hospital central registers. According to patient's identity codes, the Cause of Death Registry of Statistics Finland provided death data. Amputation data were cross-linked with the local vascular registry using identity codes. Women were found to be 8 years older than men (p < 0.0001). Major amputations comprised 73.4% in males and 77.7% in females. The age-standardized amputation incidence among males was 338 and among females 226 (per 10(6) inhabitants/year) (p < 0.001). The most prominent difference was seen in amputations due to trauma, where the age-adjusted major amputation incidence was over three-fold among males compared to females. The proportion of patients who had undergone vascular procedure before amputation was 23% in both genders. Median survival after amputation was 943 days in men and 716 in women (p = 0.01). When the higher age of women was considered, there was no significant difference between the genders. Survival was poorer among diabetics in both genders and the difference was significant in males. The amputation incidence was found to be higher in men compared to women in all etiologic subgroups except malignant tumour. Almost one in 4 patients had undergone vascular surgical reconstruction before amputation in both genders. There was no significant difference between the genders in survival after amputation. Subjects with diabetes had a poorer survival after major amputation than those without diabetes.

Development of a hinge compatible with the kinematics of the knee joint.

Abstract: This study aims to present a new concept of a knee hinge based on a crossed four-bar linkage mechanism which has been designed to optimally follow a motion curve representing the knee kinematics in the position at which the knee hinge should be placed. The methodology used to determine the optimal knee hinge is based on the optimization of certain variables of the crossed four-bar mechanism using genetic algorithms in order to follow a certain motion curve, which was determined using a biomechanical model of the knee motion. Two current, commercially available knee hinges have been used to theoretically determine their motion by means of the path performed by their instantaneous helical axis. Comparison between these two different knee hinges, Optimal Knee Hinge and the theoretical motion performed by a human knee reveals that a common monocentric hinge has a maximum misalignment of up to 27.2 mm; a polycentric hinge has a maximum misalignment of 23.9 mm. In contrast, the maximum misalignment produced by the Optimal Knee Hinge is 1.99 mm. The orthotic joint presented significantly improves the kinematical compatibility and the adjustment between orthotic and human joint motion, and should provide several advantages in terms of comfort and safety. Furthermore, the determination of the instantaneous helical axis for a particular user, by means of human movement measurement techniques, will enable the optimal crossed four-bar mechanisms to be determined in a customized and personalized manner. As a consequence, this new concept of orthotic knee joint design may improve the adaptability of lower limb orthoses for the user, and may lead to significant advantages in the field of orthotics for the lower limb.

Gait changes over time in stance control orthosis users

Abstract: This report presents objective motion analysis measurements of 14 stance control orthoses (SCO) users during a prospective open-enrollment 6-month clinical field trial. Participants were fitted wit...

Measuring quality of life in prosthetic practice: benefits and challenges

Abstract: There is an increasing awareness that the inclusion of quality of life as an outcome measure is important in ensuring a client-centred and holistic assessment. This review outlines the benefits of quality of life as an outcome measurement in the field of prosthetics. It introduces the key concepts and challenges in the definition and assessment of quality of life post-amputation, including the relative advantages and disadvantages of adopting generic, disease/condition specific, dimension specific and individualized measures of quality of life. In conclusion, the review delineates and recommends issues and guidelines for consideration when undertaking quality of life research and assessment. A co-ordinated approach by practitioners in the field of prosthetics is necessary to ensure the inclusion of quality of life as an outcome measure and to ensure its measurement in a standardized and rigorous manner.

Rasch analysis of the Locomotor Capabilities Index-5 in people with lower limb amputation.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to perform a Rasch analysis on the 5-level ordinal scale version of the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI-5), in order to investigate rating scale quality and conduct reliability and validity assessments. A questionnaire was mailed to 144 subjects who had undergone lower limb amputation (LLA) in the previous five years and completed a rehabilitation and prosthetic training programme. A total of 123 persons (85%) responded to the questionnaire, a self-report assessment of prosthetic capability and performance which included the LCI-5, the Mobility Section of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ-MS) and other variables associated to prosthetic wear and use. Following Rasch analysis and expert review, the LCI-5 response categories level 1 (‘yes, if someone helps me’) and 2 (‘yes, if someone is near me’) were combined into a single category and 4 items were deleted (due to misfitting). The remaining 10 items fitted the Rasch model (LCI10-4) and demonstrated good reliability (...

Validation of a patient activity monitor to quantify ambulatory activity in an amputee population

Abstract: The ability to objectively measure an amputee's walking activity over prolonged periods can provide clinicians with a useful means of evaluating their patients' outcomes. The present study aimed to validate the temporospatial data output from a commercially available ambulatory activity monitor (PAM, Ossur) fitted to trans-tibial and trans-femoral amputees, against data that was simultaneously captured from a three dimensional motion analysis system (Qualisys Medical AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). Results indicate that the PAM monitor provides accurate measures of temporospatial aspects of amputee gait for walking speeds above 0.75 m/s.

Mechanical testing of prosthetic feet utilized in low-income countries according to ISO-10328 standard:

Abstract: This report summarizes the results from 1132 ISO-10328 standard tests performed on 21 different prosthetic foot models commonly utilized in the developing world. None of the tested feet passed the ...

Balance control enhancement using sub-sensory stimulation and visual-auditory biofeedback strategies for amputee subjects.

Abstract: Sub-sensory electrical or mechanical stimulation can enhance the sensitivity of the human somatosensory system to improve the balance control capabilities of elderly. In addition, clinical studies suggest that visual-auditory biofeedback can improve sensory compensation for the elderly. This study hypothesizes that the static balance and gait performance of single leg quiet standing and treadmill walking could be improved for providing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation using sub-sensory stimulation and visual-auditory biofeedback in amputee subjects. To test this, a computerized foot pressure biofeedback sensory compensation system using sub-threshold low-level electrical stimulation combined with visual-auditory biofeedback was developed. Seven unilateral trans-tibial amputees who wore prostheses over 2 years were recruited. The subjects performed multiple single leg quiet standing trials with sub-sensory electrical stimulation applied at the quadriceps muscle during half of the trials. Static ba...

Effect of flat insoles with different Shore A values on posture stability in diabetic neuropathy

Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine whether insoles with a low Shore A value (15 degrees) as prescribed for patients with a diabetic neuropathy have a negative effect on posture stability because these insoles may reduce somatosensory input under the feet. It was conducted in the Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands The study was observational and conducted on 30 diabetic patients (aged 37 - 82 years) with a neuropathy. Posture stability (body sway) was assessed in a shoe without insole, on a flat insole with a low Shore A value (15 degrees) and on a flat insole with a higher Shore A value (30 degrees). These assessments were done under four different conditions: (1) eyes open, no dual-task, (2) eyes closed, no dual-task, (3) eyes open, dual-task (mental arithmetic) and (4) eyes closed, dual-task. Additionally 10 healthy controls (aged 27 - 51 years) were assessed similarly. A significantly higher root-mean-square (rms) value of the anterior-posterior velocity, V(y), was found in patients compared with controls (3.4 cm/s vs. 1.2 cm/s, p < 0.05). Also a significant difference in rms value of the anterior-posterior velocity, V(y), was found between eyes open and eyes closed (1.9 cm/s vs. 2.7 cm/s, p < 0.05). No significant effects were found for insoles or dual tasks for the total group. In diabetic patients no significant effect was found of insoles on posture stability. The effect of closed eyes on posture stability was significantly larger for diabetic patients compared to controls. It was found that prescribing insoles with a low Shore A value (15 degrees), compared to insoles with a higher Shore A value (30 degrees) has no significant negative effect on posture stability in patients with a diabetic neuropathy.

A prospective study on the development of critical thinking skills for student prosthetists and orthotists in Hong Kong

Abstract: Critical thinking skill is considered to be one of the important attributes to nurture students to cope with the challenges coming from this ever-changing world. The training of critical thinking skill could be quite different from the conventional education. Thus, special arrangements should be considered in the curriculum design and effective assessment method should be employed to test the subsequent learning outcome. This study was to evaluate prospectively the development of critical thinking disposition of the student prosthetists and orthotists in Hong Kong and a validated instrument, the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) was used. The results showed that there was significant improvement in 5 out of the 7 domains, namely Truthseeking, Open-mindedness, Systematicity, Analyticity, Critical thinking self-confidence, Inquisitiveness and Maturity of judgment in 3 years' time. Further curriculum enhancements were suggested as the sum of all the domains was just slightly above th...

Living with thalidomide: Health status and quality of life at 40 years

Abstract: Thalidomide was first synthesized in 1953 and was subsequently marketed as a mild hypnotic and sedative in more than 20 countries. By 2001 it was estimated that there were 5,000 survivors from the 10,000 - 12,000 babies who were, as a result, born with severe abnormalities. For these survivors, recent concerns have emerged about their physical state, in particular their levels of pain and their ability to maintain independence. It was therefore wished to ascertain health status and current concerns amongst a sample of survivors living in the UK. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was employed. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with a sample drawn from the population affected by thalidomide known to the Thalidomide Trust. Selection of participants was based upon a theoretical sample frame. Postal questionnaires to examine health status and various psychosocial aspects concerned with living with the consequences of thalidomide were sent subsequently to these same participants and to a random sample of those not originally drawn for the qualitative interviews. For the qualitative interviews, 28 agreed to take part; two refused and the remainder did not respond. Those agreeing to interview were representative of the original compensation bands (Chi-Square = 3.929; p = 0.416). Several themes emerged from these interviews, including the effects on work and career; coping in terms of attitude to life, self-image, confidence, self-esteem, stress and emotion; relationships, independent living issues and emergent problems such as pain, quality of life, and anxiety about the future. A postal questionnaire was then sent to those who had agreed to interview (28), plus a random sample of the remaining group who were not initially chosen for the qualitative interviews. In total 82 people were sent the questionnaire, of whom 41 (50%) responded. Two-thirds of responders were female. Seven out of ten lived with a partner, and over half (56%) had children. Almost half (46%) were in work, but 32% reported they were permanently unable to work because of disability. Current levels of impairment were found to be similar across groups defined by the original compensation band. In contrast, the activity limitation measures showed a steep gradient across bands but only 37% considered themselves disabled. Nevertheless, despite the restriction in activities for some, levels of participation were similar across bands; likewise simple summary items on health status and quality of life were similar and 70% reported their quality of life (QoL) was good or better than good. Yet nine in ten believed that their body was less flexible than in the past. Almost as many reported they were less able to carry things. It turns out that when compensation bands were grouped (1 - 3, 4 - 5) to highlight those most severely affected according to the original assessment, then those in the higher band grouping reported significantly more musculoskeletal problems, high levels of fatigue and increasing dependency and feelings of vulnerability. It is clear that the original ranking of disability severity, as expressed through the compensation, bands (allocated in early childhood in most cases), is consistent with current ranking of limitations in activity and participation. Nevertheless, despite high levels of disability amongst some survivors, lifelong adjustments to the original impairments have resulted in more than two thirds reporting at least a good quality of life. However, survivors expressed increasing concern about emerging musculoskeletal and other problems which may compromise hard-won independence.

A Model to Predict the Effect of Ankle Joint Misalignment on Calf Band Movement in Ankle-Foot Orthoses

Abstract: Accurate alignment of anatomical and mechanical joint axes is one of the major biomechanical principles pertaining to articulated orthoses, yet knowledge of the potential effects of axis misalignment is limited. The purpose of this project was to model the effects of systematic linear (proximal-distal and anterior-posterior) misalignments of single axis mechanical ankle joints in an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in order to determine the degree and direction of calf band travel that would occur over a functional range of motion. Sagittal plane misalignments of the ankle joint centres of an AFO were simulated using a simple two-dimensional model for both a range of ankle angles and a typical able-bodied ankle kinematic curve for self-selected normal walking speed. The model assumed that no movement occurred between the foot and the foot-plate of the AFO. The model predicted that for anterior (positive horizontal) misalignments, dorsiflexion movements would cause the calf band to travel proximally (i.e., up the leg) and plantar flexion movements would cause the calf band to travel distally (i.e., down the leg). The opposite was predicted for posterior (negative horizontal) misalignments. Proximal (positive vertical) misalignments would cause only distal movements of the calf band while distal (negative vertical) misalignments would cause only proximal movements of the calf band. Anterior-posterior misalignments were found to have a much larger effect on the amount of calf band travel than proximal-distal misalignments.

Effect of a shock-absorbing pylon on transmission of heel strike forces during the gait of people with unilateral trans-tibial amputations: a pilot study.

Abstract: The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that walking with a shock-absorbing pylon (SAP) decreases the peak magnitude and frequency content of the heel-strike-initiated shock wave transmitted to the stump. The secondary hypotheses were that walking with a SAP decreases the heel-strike transient force between the ground and the foot and increases function as measured by walking velocity and subjective assessments. Seven people with unilateral trans-tibial amputations walked at self-selected speeds without and with a SAP. As the primary outcome measure, accelerometers were used mounted proximally and distally along the prosthetic pylon to measure the transmitted shock wave. Secondary measures included ground reaction forces from a force plate, a ten-minute walking test to determine walking speed and a questionnaire to evaluate gait function and subjective preference. The SAP provided no significant shock absorption as indicated by either the mean peak proximal accelerations of 3.19 g and 2.82 g (p = 0.28) without and with the SAP respectively or the mean difference between the peak proximal and distal accelerometers, 0.16 g and 0.19 g (p = 0.58). No significant change in the frequency content was found. Variances were high. There were no significant differences noted in the secondary measures. Although this study failed to identify any statistically significant effects due to the SAP, the magnitude and variance of the data will permit an accurate estimation of the appropriate sample size for future studies required to determine the efficacy of SAPs.

ISPO consensus conference on wheelchairs for developing countries: Conclusions and recommendations

Abstract: The ISPO Consensus Conference on Wheelchairs for Developing Countries was held in collaboration with Leahy War Victims Fund of the United States Agency for International Development (LWVF-USAID) an...

Successful prosthetic fitting of elderly trans-femoral amputees with Intelligent Prosthesis (IP): a clinical pilot study.

Abstract: The objective of the study was to compare the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) and walking speeds during walking in two elderly trans-femoral amputees when using knee joints which emphasized stance-phase control and Intelligent Prosthesis, and to provide some bibliographic observations on factors behind their success in improving walking ability despite their age. It was a within-subject comparison. The subjects comprised two patients, aged 75 and 81 years, with trans-femoral amputations. On admission subjects were subjected to one-leg cycling test driven by their non-amputated leg in order to evaluate their physical fitness. The PCI and speed during free level walking was measured using their original knee joints. The knee joint was then changed to IP and the subjects received prosthetic walking training programs using it. The PCI and speed measurements were taken during free level walking on completion of the training program. Both subjects showed a decreased PCI and an increased free walking speed when u...

Comparison of the results of four users of a contemporary CAD/CAM system.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the variation of measurements recorded when four different users of the TracerCAD system trace a model of known dimensions and volume. This complements a previous study where the accuracy and consistency of a single user was measured. Landmarks were added to indicate proximal, distal, anterior, medial and lateral regions of a specially manufactured cylindrical nylon 6.6 model. Four circumferential lines were added at regular intervals along the length of the cylinder with a view to calculating diameters and volumes relative to these landmarks. The model was measured using a comparator with guaranteed accuracy to one hundredth of a millimetre, and was traced using the TracerCAD system by four different users. The difference in mean volume between measured results and TracerCAD scans of differing users ranged to -3%. Individual trace volumes varied by up to -7.85%. In all volumes measured, 11 out of 12 maximum volume percentage differences measured greater than 2%, and of these, seven results showed maximum volume percentage difference to measure greater than 4%.

ISPO consensus conference on appropriate lower limb orthotics for developing countries: Conclusions and recommendations

Abstract: ISPO Consensus Conference on Appropriate Lower Limb Orthotics for Developing Countries : Conclusions and Recommendations

The Lower Limb Amputee Measurement Scale: reliability and predictive validity.

Abstract: This study assesses the reliability and predictive validity of the Lower Limb Extremity Amputee Measurement Scale (LLAMS), which is an assessment tool designed to predict the length of stay (LOS) of patients with lower limb amputations in a rehabilitation program. In order to evaluate inter-rater reliability a prospective evaluation was completed by five independent evaluators (n ¼ 10). Predictive validity was evaluated retrospectively by comparing the LLAMS predicted LOS to actual LOS (n ¼ 147). The ability of the amputee team members to administer the LLAMS to patients was very high (ICC [2,1] ¼ 0.98, CI 95% ¼ 0.96 – 0.99, F [9, 36] ¼ 78.71, p 5 0.05). In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between the LLAMS predicted LOS and the actual LOS (Pearson Correlation Coefficient, r ¼ 0.465, p 5 0.01), and the LLAMS was able to identify those patients who required short versus long rehabilitation stays. The incorporation of the LLAMS into the physiatrist’s initial assessment of patients in the amputee clinic has enhanced the ability to manage better the LOS and the time patients wait to enter the rehabilitation program.

Prosthetic management 56 years after rotationplasty due to proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD)

Abstract: Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) is a rare congenital anomaly of the femur. Rotationplasty has been described as a reconstructive procedure in the management of PFFD. A 68-year-old woman with PFFD of the right leg and rotationplasty at the age of 12 years had prosthetic fitting problems after a fall. The authors describe the analysis of the prosthetic fitting problems and the considerations made in prosthetic management. Following a fall, 56 years after rotationplasty, this woman has a good prosthetic fitting and a satisfying level of functioning.

Post-operative use of remoulding orthoses following cranial vault remodelling: a case series.

Abstract: The use of external orthoses following surgical cranial vault remodelling in infants with craniosynostosis was first described in the 1980s. While a few preliminary reports have been published on its use, there are no reports outlining specific orthotic considerations. The purpose of this paper is to present the orthotic community with an introduction to the various craniosynostoses, the resultant cranial morphologies, and specific orthotic considerations associated with these morphologies, including trigocephaly, frontal plagiocephly, brachycephaly, scapholocephaly, and occipital plagiocephaly. For each presentation, guidelines are presented as to where the cranial remoulding orthosis should maintain contact, thereby discouraging cranial growth, and where the voids should be established and maintained to allow for corrective cranial growth. Principles are supported by photographs of representative cases.

Trans-Femoral Amputation in Elderly Dysvascular Patients: Reliable Results with a Technique of Myodesis

Abstract: The clinical and functional results of traditional techniques for trans-femoral amputation are often poor. The ISPO consensus conference on amputation surgery in 1990 at Glasgow recommended myodesis as an important integral part of surgical procedure and should be carried out as much as possible. Muscle stabilization provides a stable functional amputation stump. This improves the prosthetic management and walking ability. A technique of myodesis for trans-femoral amputation has been developed in Dundee, especially for elderly dysvascular patients. The functional and clinical results of this technique were studied in 33 patients, who underwent the surgical procedure. Data regarding patient demographics, postoperative morbidity, mortality and functional status were obtained from a prospectively recorded pro forma. Fourteen patients out of 33, who were operated using this technique, were fitted with artificial limbs. Of these, 11 (78.5%) were still using the prosthesis at a mean follow-up of 40 months. There was 100% primary wound healing. Two patients underwent further revision surgery for delayed stump problems. Good clinical and functional results were obtained using this technique. It is particularly suited for the elderly dysvascular patients, whose stumps are shorter and bone quality poor. The low rate of stump problems and consequent revision surgery enables a more comfortable stump for non-prosthetic users.

Locating the Axis of Rotation when Fitting an Elbow Orthosis: A Comparison of Measurement and Palpation:

Abstract: No other previously published studies consider the relative motion of orthotic components positioned on the upper arm and the forearm. This study therefore measured the location and direction of the axis of rotation of an orthotic component fixed to the forearm in relation to an orthotic component fixed to the upper arm, and compared the results with those obtained by palpation. A plane flexion or extension motion of the forearm component in relation to the component on the upper arm can be described as a pure rotation about a fixed centre. However, activation of the biceps or triceps shifts that centre by around 2 cm, due to a displacement of the humerus within the orthotic component on the upper arm. Within a range of approximately 1 cm, the location of the axis of rotation was similar to that obtained by palpation. Neither custom-made plastic/foam orthoses with their hinges aligned to the measured axis, nor orthoses with their hinges aligned to the palpated axis, exhibited any difference in the wearer's comfort. It is concluded that the best choice for the location of the axis of a hinge-type orthosis for the elbow constitutes a compromise between the axes for active flexion and active extension. In view of the large influence that muscle activation has on axis location, errors in the order of 1 cm seem to be negligible when adjusting the hinge of an orthosis in individual cases.

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic knee-ankle-foot orthosis with a partially flexible thigh cuff: a modification for comfort while sitting on a toilet seat.

Abstract: At the request of a polio survivor, a partially flexible thigh cuff made of leather and canvas for a carbon KAFO was devised to allow the wearer to feel more comfortable while sitting on a toilet seat. The original, acrylic resin, thigh cuff was partially excised to make an opening (15610 cm), which was stuffed with rubber sponge, and was sealed with leather and canvas. The opening’s surround was vertically and horizontally reinforced with carbon fibres. This modification provided relief to the polio survivor from the discomfort previously experienced while sitting on a toilet seat, and satisfied her needs in daily life.