Gait Kinematics and Energy Expenditure of Users Walking with Semiflexion Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis: A Pilot Study
ConclusionsUsing the KAFO with stance flexion did not significantly improve any of the locked knee gait parameters. However, there was a trend of reduction in the PCI score while walking with the semiflexion KAFO, and it also improved the ease of doing some activities of daily living. Introduction The knee joint of a conventional knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is locked during walking. This study aims to evaluate the effects of stance phase knee flexion on the kinematics, spatiotemporal parameters, and energy consumption of KAFO users. Materials and Methods A retrofitting drop lock that allows 12° of stance flexio...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Functional Outcomes in People with Transtibial Amputation Using Crossover and Energy-Storing Prosthetic Feet: A Pilot Study
ConclusionsThe crossover foot is a promising prosthetic foot design that appears to provide modest functional benefits to transtibial prosthesis users. Given the pilot nature of this study, additional research is needed to assess benefits across a larger and more diverse range of users to inform prescription practices. Introduction Contemporary prosthetic feet are purposefully designed to address the many functional limitations experienced by people with transtibial amputation (TTA). Choice of materials, geometry, and fabrication techniques contribute to the overall performance of the foot, and ultimately to the functi...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Comparison of the Effect of Cane, Tripod Cane Tip, and Quad Cane on Postural Steadiness in Healthy Older Adults
DiscussionThe findings suggest that use of the tripod cane tip can significantly improve postural steadiness over use of the straight cane. Our findings, however, suggest that tripod canes provide less level of postural steadiness than quad canes. Objectives Previous studies have shown that use of assistive devices may contribute to loss of balance and increased risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to compare postural steadiness of older adults using straight cane, tripod, and quad cane. Methods Sixteen healthy older adults (8 men, 8 women; age, 62–84 years) were recruited. Analyses focused on mean and roo...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Evaluation of Use of Prosthesis, Mobility, and Quality of Life in Young and Adult Persons with Unilateral Above-Knee Amputation 7 Years after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake
ConclusionsAdults with unilateral above-knee amputation experienced greater difficulties in psychological adjustment to limitation and social activities, even 7 years after the amputation. Residual limb and phantom pain were greatly affected by age. Prosthetic daily wearing time correlated with better functional outcome for individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation. This study provides information regarding long-term rehabilitation outcomes of individuals with traumatic unilateral above-knee amputation. Age, daily prosthetic wearing time, and residual limb pain and phantom pain are main factors affecting rehabili...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Jpo self-assessment examination
No abstract available (Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: CME Quiz Source Type: research

Functional Outcomes with Externally Powered Partial Hand Prostheses
ConclusionsSubjects fit with four- or five-digit externally powered partial hand prostheses demonstrated significant functional improvements in objective hand function and individualized goals. The remnant thumbs of users fit with four-digit systems sometimes exhibited limitations on range of motion or strength. Despite this, their evaluation scores still showed significant improvement; in fact, almost 10 times the minimal detectable change score. For those with five-digit absence, the change was 20 times the minimal threshold. These results suggest the benefit of the i-digits partial hand prosthesis as contributing to the...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: CME Article Source Type: research

Appropriateness of Sample Sizes in Published Research on Prosthetic Knee Componentry
Discussion Our findings suggest that most research studies in the field of prosthetics are underpowered. Given the noted difficulty of increasing sample sizes, it seems important to choose comparison variables that promise a large effect size and/or to deliberately reduce the heterogeneity (i.e., the standard deviation) of the subject sample to address this problem. (Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Review Article/Literature Review Source Type: research

JPO Editor’s Comments
No abstract available (Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - March 15, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Editor's Comments Source Type: research

Prosthetic Reconstruction for a Patient with Partial Hand Amputation
ConclusionThe patient was satisfied with the prosthesis in terms of appearance, weight, and color. The thumb function was not limited by the prosthesis. The patient could easily use her thumb while wearing the prosthesis. Introduction Partial hand amputations are one of the most common types of hand amputation. Provision of an aesthetic prosthesis with adequate performance can reduce negative social and psychological impacts of hand amputation. The aim of this study was to describe the fabrication of a silicone prosthesis for a patient with partial hand amputation. Materials and Methods Alginate impression was taken...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - January 1, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Joint Moments During Downhill and Uphill Walking of a Person with Transfemoral Amputation with a Hydraulic Articulating and a Rigid Prosthetic Ankle—A Case Study
ConclusionsDuring sloped walking, the use of a hydraulically articulating versus rigid ankle joint component reduced the joint moments observed at the hip joint of the residual limb in an individual with unilateral TF amputation. This indicates a benefit for persons with TF amputation as the increased ankle function reduces the moment producing requirements of the hip joint, which may result in decreased energy consumption and subsequently a more efficient gait. Introduction Functional characteristics of prosthetic ankle design may facilitate sloped walking for individuals with transfemoral (TF) amputation. The aim of ...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - January 1, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Combined Effects of a Valgus Knee Brace and Lateral Wedge Insole on Walking in Patients with Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis
ConclusionsThe concurrent use of valgus knee brace and lateral wedge insole can produce a greater overall reduction in the KAM. The use of two types of orthoses, both separately and combined, did not improve the speed of walking, step length, and hip, knee, and ankle joints ROM in the affected side. Introduction The use of a valgus knee brace and a lateral wedge foot orthosis in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported as a novel treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the combined effect of laterally wedged inlay and knee brace on walking in volunteer subjects with medial compartme...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - January 1, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Use of a Dynamic Balance System to Quantify Postural Steadiness and Stability of Individuals with Lower-Limb Amputation: A Pilot Study
ConclusionsThe dynamic balance system tasks and related metrics demonstrated the potential to discern differences in balance in persons with amputation due to changes in prosthetic componentry. Further study is needed to investigate these parameters, their correlation with clinical measures of balance, and the effects of both prosthetic componentry and alignment. Introduction Despite rehabilitation and gait training, the gait of individuals with lower-limb amputation is often asymmetric and falls and/or fear of falling are common. Clinical assessments of balance and stability include the Berg Balance Scale and the Dyna...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - January 1, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

The Accuracy and Validity of Modus Trex Activity Monitor in Determining Functional Level in Veterans with Transtibial Amputations
This study was a prospective study monitoring walking behavior. Subjects were recruited from an outpatient clinic for persons with amputation at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Subjects were blinded to results of the Global Positioning System and activity data. Physicians were blinded to Modus Trex–derived K-level, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and Amputee Mobility Predictor with Prosthesis (AMPPRO) results.The study enrolled 29 subjects with transtibial amputation. Twenty-seven subjects were included in the data analysis. Two subjects were excluded due to incomplete or unreliable data. Patients were eligible if they wer...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - January 1, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Comparison of Bilateral and Unilateral Contractions and Limb Dominance on Pattern Classification Accuracy for Prosthesis Control
ConclusionsThe results suggest that high pattern classification accuracy can be achieved with both one and two hands with no evidence of BLD. In addition, limb dominance did not affect classification accuracy. This suggests that therapists may not be limited to specific actions for user training. Introduction Powered transradial prostheses use the amplitudes of surface electromyography (EMG) signals from the forearm flexors and extensors to control the opening and closing of the hand. Users must co-contract their forearm muscles as a switch to rotate the wrist. This operation can be slow and is not intuitive, as the us...
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - January 1, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Jpo self-assessment examination
No abstract available (Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - January 1, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: CME Quiz Source Type: research