The Impact of C-Leg?? on the Physical and Psychological Adjustment to Transfemoral Amputation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Amputation is a profound disruption to an individual's sense of self in the world. To understand the role C-Leg® (Otto Bock Health Care, Minneapolis, MN) can play in the physical and psychological adjustment of the transfemoral amputee, the authors employ a qualitative method of inquiry and analysis to supplement statistical data. Drawing upon earlier research, the authors discuss the meaning of lower-limb loss and restoration with a mechanical prosthesis in relation to the amputee's physical self, experiential world, and social relationships. The amputees reported being more aware of their body, having to plan and concentrate on most movements. Their physical surroundings assumed a different character as familiar objects took on different meanings in relation to their physical dysfunction. Subjects expressed a depreciative transformation in their relations with others, often feeling diminished and displaced—mere spectators to most events and activities. Replacing the mechanical knee with the C-Leg microprocessor knee improved mobility and function for amputees. However, to characterize the C-Leg only in this manner is to minimize its clinical significance. C-Leg's presence has the power to open up a world in which the amputee may re-establish and further develop his/her place and social standing. Because the C-Leg responds to the amputee's movement, it has the unique ability to be incorporated into the body; as such, both the C-Leg and the amputee's bodily self receded to the background of the individual's awareness. Attention was now directed toward the events, activities, and persons in the world around the amputee. Objects that were previously perceived as obstacles in an amputee's field of movement resumed to a significant degree their once familiar, pre-amputation character. In addition, the improved function and more natural, fluid gait allowed a re-integration and re-identification with able-bodied others.