vendex and Amputation--Traumatic

This paper presents the results of preliminary walking experiments on a transtibial amputee wearing a powered prosthesis. The prosthesis prototype serves as a proof-of-concept implementation for investigating the potential of pleated pneumatic artificial muscles to power a transtibial prosthesis. The device is equipped with pleated pneumatic artificial muscles, and tethered to a laboratory pressure source. The prosthesis is capable of providing the amputee with 100% of the required push-off torque and it can adapt its joint stiffness to the walking speed. This study supports the hypothesis that a powered transtibial prosthesis with adaptable stiffness might be beneficial to the amputee.

Topics: Amputation, Traumatic; Amputees; Ankle Joint; Artificial Limbs; Exercise Test; Gait; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prosthesis Design; Tibia; Torque; Walking

This single case study reports the successful trial of the use of 2 torque absorbers in a single trans-femoral prosthesis. The adapted prosthesis enabled a greater degree of rotation on a vertical axis which can be a significant advantage to amputee golfers.

Topics: Amputation, Traumatic; Artificial Limbs; Golf; Humans; Leg; Male; Middle Aged; Prosthesis Design; Rotation; Shear Strength; Torque

Twenty patients (14 males, six females) were assessed at an average of 32 months (ten to 156 months) after ray amputation using the disability shoulder, arm, hand (DASH) questionnaire, physical examination and functional testing. There were 14 border (eight index, six little) and six central ray (five middle, one ring) amputations. Our results showed on average 27% less grip and 22% three-point pinch strength in the operated hands. Peak power output was 22% and average work output 14% less on the operated side than the contralateral hand. The DASH function score was 29.2 (range 3.3-74.2). Nine patients returned to their previous occupation, two had to change jobs and two did not return to work. Six patients were not working, one was of school age. The ensuing disability remained within limits reflected by our measurements and the acceptance of the patients.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amputation, Surgical; Amputation, Traumatic; Cold Temperature; Disability Evaluation; Employment; Esthetics; Female; Fingers; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Surveys and Questionnaires; Torque; Treatment Outcome