Musculoskeletal and Biomechanical Adaptations Post‐Amputation

Abstract

Individuals with lower‐limb amputations tend to experience a wide variety of negative secondary health conditions associated with impaired functional mobility. Reduced musculoskeletal and biomechanical loading on the prosthetic limb compared to the intact limb has been associated with increased risks of experiencing falls and developing overuse injuries, which are prevalent in this population. Further understanding of musculoskeletal and biomechanical asymmetries in this population could help inform interventions to proactively improve musculoskeletal health, as well as reduce risks of experiencing falls and developing overuse injuries.This presentation will discuss a range of our structural, physiological, and gait findings from the cellular level in cadavers to clinical rehabilitation in living individuals. Specifically, we will discuss: 1) structural adaptations of bone mineral density and histological examination of muscle fiber types, 2) physiological adaptations of hip and knee joint spaces as an indicator of osteoarthritis and cross‐sectional muscle area as an indicator of muscle atrophy, and 3) gait adaptations and the potential of wearable sensors to predict fall risk.Overall, our findings suggest increased risks of osteopenia/porosis, muscle atrophy/sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis in this population. Specific musculoskeletal screenings, rehabilitation exercises, clinical outcome measures, and gait parameters may help clinicians proactively assess and reduce these risks to improve functional mobility in this population.