Achieving the required functionality of a transtibial prosthesis during the stance phase of gait (e.g., shock absorption, close to normal roll-over characteristics, and smooth transition into swing) depends on the Amputee Independent Prosthesis Properties (AIPPs), defined here as the mechanical properties of the prosthesis that directly influence the performance of the amputee. Accordingly, if ...

Recent research has focused on the design of intelligent prosthetic ankle devices with the goal of adapting the behavior of the device to accommodate all walking surfaces that an individual encounters in daily life. One surface that is particularly difficult for persons with transtibial amputation (TTA) is uneven ground. Patients with TTA have an increased frequency of falling on uneven ground ...

A very attractive advantage of manufacturing prosthetic sockets using solid freeform fabrication is the freedom to introduce design solutions that would be difficult to implement using traditional manufacturing techniques. Such is the case with compliant features embedded in amputee prosthetic sockets to relieve contact pressure at the residual limb-socket interface. The purpose of this study w...

Purpose There are over 40 million amputees globally with more than 185,000 Americans losing their limbs every year. For most of the world, prosthetic devices remain too expensive and uncomfortable. This paper aims to outline advancements made by a multidisciplinary research group, interested in advancing restoration human motion through accessible lower limb prostheses. Design/methodology/appro...

BACKGROUND Supracondylar humerus fractures are very common types of elbow fractures in children between the ages of three and ten years. Totally displaced supracondylar humerus fractures can be associated with neurovascular injuries, and treatment can be complicated by iatrogenic neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, malunion, and elbow stiffness. AIM The aim of this study was to descri...

People with amputation are at increased risk of falling compared with age-matched, nondisabled individuals. This may partly reflect amputation-related changes to minimum toe clearance (MTC) that could increase the incidence of trips and fall risk. This study determined the contribution of an active dorsiflexing prosthesis to MTC. We hypothesized that regardless of speed or incline the active do...