H D Romo | PubMed Health

PubMed2000

Prosthetic knees.

The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for evaluating the features of a knee. A single knee unit has a combination of several control features. As is expected, new units are introduced with improvements to certain features. Prosthetic knee selection generally is based on the patient's ability. An inappropriate knee selection (or improper adjustment) may leave the patient apprehensive and fearful that the knee might buckle with each step. An appropriate selection of a properly adjusted knee unit closely matches the functional ability of the patient and yields a smooth, reliable gait.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1999

Specialized prostheses for activities. An update.

The ideal prosthetic foot would imitate perfectly the human foot in form and function. This is not possible given current technology. Foot designs must use the most appropriate materials organized in such a way as to functionally optimize ground reaction forces generated as the patient stands or walks. The incorporation of materials from the aerospace industry allows designers to create lightweight feet, which are capable of controlled deformation under load and the memory to return to their original shape when the load is removed. These dynamic elastic response prosthetic feet have revolutionized the functional properties of the prosthesis and the functional capabilities of the patient. Patients presently are limited less by their prosthesis than ever before, allowing them to pursue most activities. An increasing number of designs are available to enhance most activities, making appropriate selection of a specific component a difficult task. A simple functional categorization of dynamic prosthetic feet is presented to assist in selection.

Activities of Daily Living↗