Orientation sensors containing magnetometers use the earth's magnetic field as a reference. Ferromagnetic objects may distort this magnetic field, leading to inaccurate orientation output. We explored the viability of these orientation sensors for motion analysis in an assistive mobility device rehabilitative setting. We attached two MTx orientation sensors (XSens; Enschade, the Netherlands), c...

Control schemes for powered ankle-foot prostheses rely upon fixed torque-ankle state relationships obtained from measurements of intact humans walking at target speeds and across known terrains. Although effective at their intended gait speed and terrain, these controllers do not allow for adaptation to environmental disturbances such as speed transients and terrain variation. Here we present a...

BACKGROUND Prosthesis suspension systems can alter the distribution of pressure within the prosthetic socket. This study evaluates a new suspension system for lower limb prostheses, and aims to compare the interface pressure and amputees' satisfaction with the new system compared with a common prosthetic suspension system (pin/lock). METHODS Ten transtibial amputees walked at a self-selected ...

Malunions are a well-recognized complication of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures. Results of corrective osteotomies vary, and complication rates have been reported to be as high as 40%. Considering the high rate of complications for malunion correction, we investigated the feasibility of arthroscopy. We present a technique for arthroscopic supracondylar osteotomy and percutaneous pinni...

Residual limb/prosthetic socket interface pressures and shear stresses were measured at 13 sites on two subjects with unilateral transtibial amputation (TTA) using total-contact patellar-tendon-bearing prostheses. Maximal interface stresses during stance phase for each of 13 transducer sites were determined, then means for all steps calculated. Maximal pressure and resultant shear stress during...

Prostheses are prescribed to restore the mobility of people with amputated lower limbs. Monitoring the prosthesis wearing times and physical activity of prosthesis users would provide invaluable information regarding rehabilitation progress and suitability of the prosthesis. The validation of a method to determine wearing times and physical activity state, as well as strides taken, of amputees ...

PURPOSE Major amputation of the lower limb is considered the last resort when limb salvage is impossible. The aim of this study is to determine the morbidity, mortality, and rehabilitation outcome of patients that underwent a lower-limb amputation. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 100 elderly patients who underwent a total of 120 lower-limb amputations in a regional ho...

Unilateral lower limb prosthesis users display temporal, kinematic, and kinetic asymmetries between limbs while ascending and descending stairs. These asymmetries are due, in part, to the inability of current prosthetic devices to effectively mimic normal ankle function. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive set of biomechanical data for able-bodied and unilateral transtibial...

This article describes the development of a prototype prosthetic ankle-foot system that passively adapts to surface slopes on each step of walking. Engineering analyses were performed to design the cam clutch and clutch engagement and disengagement mechanism. The prototype was tested by a veteran with a unilateral transtibial amputation. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded while the subjec...