Prosthetic alignment and biomechanical parameters in transtibial amputees due landmines

Abstract

The lack of objective information concerned to prostheses alignment is a common phenomenon in the area. When an inadequate angular location of the transtibial prosthetic socket appears, the biomechanical parameters in the joint and the location of the center of pressure (COP) in the amputees are affected; it also affects the amputee’s comfort in the standing position. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transtibial prosthesis malalignment on biomechanical parameters. The effects of transtibial prosthesis alignment on biomechanical parameters were measured in terms of lower limb angles and the location of the center of pressure (COP) when the subject is in the static standing position. Amputees who were regularly attending in the Hospital Militar Central, Bogotá, Colombia, were invited to participate in this study. Seven subjects with transtibial amputation were recruited from the community. Seven insertion alignment conditions were measured in each of the 6 participants of the study, whereas participant seven (7) only six conditions were located, for a total number of 144 tests. The socket angle, the joint angles and the COP were recorded in computer files. The statistical analysis of the measurements showed variation intra and inter subjects. All angle perturbations revealed statistically significant differences on joint angles and the COP compared to the nominal alignment. The sagittal angle perturbations of the socket led to statistically significant changes in the antero-posterior direction of COP and the joint angles. Therefore, malalignment affected the lower limb angles and the location of the center of pressure (COP) in amputees with transtibial prostheses.