Analysis of the frontal plane alignment in AK prosthesis

Abstract

The alignment of lower limb prosthetics is one of the most important factors of effective limb replacement due to its impact on the user's comfort and on the accomplishment of their prosthetic function. In light of this, changes in prosthetic limb alignment could result in significant consequences for the user in the efficiency of biomechanical and physiological gait and other activities of daily living. The present work describes a study on the effects of changing the alignment in the frontal plane. To achieve this goal, tests were made in four AK (Above Knee) amputees' volunteers, whom were evaluated in three different cases: the alignment made by the prosthetist technician, changing to varus, and then to valgus. In each test, data from energy consumption, heart rate, footprint, center of gravity, acceleration and gait patterns was collected, processed and analyzed. With the obtained results from this work, it can be alluded that the determination of the optimum alignment needs a qualitative and quantitative analysis. As such, it should be done by a group of professionals, aiming to achieve gait efficiency and better quality of life of users.