Effects of the unity vacuum suspension system on transtibial gait for simulated non-level surfaces

Exploring the effects of increased socket-residual limb coupling integrity via vacuum assisted suspension on prosthetic control: a preliminary study in transtibial prosthesis users

PURPOSE

The prosthetic socket provides the critical interface between prosthesis and residuum. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effect of altering socket-residuum coupling integrity on limb and body control, through the use of vacuum-assisted suspension. A secondary purpose was to explore the potential use of two measurement tools designed to assess mobility in a clinical context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation performed intentional sway (n = 7) and treadmill walking (n = 6) tasks at three vacuum levels. Sway deviation from a straight-line path to peripheral targets was measured using an instrumented balance platform. Step width variability and targeting accuracy were measured using an augmented reality treadmill.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in intentional sway performance toward the target on the anterior diagonal toward the prosthetic side (p = 0.036); higher vacuum levels tended toward less deviation from a straight-line path. We found no group differences between total intentional sway deviation, step width variability or stepping accuracy across vacuum levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved socket-residuum coupling integrity via vacuum may have measurable effects on functional control that warrant further investigation. We highlight limitations of the clinical testing paradigms to inform future work.Implications for rehabilitationThe fit of the socket is a critical factor in the success of lower limb prosthesis use.Vacuum-assisted suspension modifies the coupling between the residuum and socket.Changes in socket-residuum coupling may lead to measurable differences in control; however, these may be activity and person-specific.Clinically intended instrumented tests of movement function derived for an intact anatomy should be used with caution when assessing prosthesis users.

Cross slope gait biomechanics for individuals with and without a unilateral transtibial amputation

BACKGROUND

This research was conducted to better understand compensatory strategies during cross-slope walking for adults with and without a unilateral transtibial amputation.

METHODS

Fourteen individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation and 14 individuals with no lower limb amputation participated in this study. Motion and force data were captured while participants walked on a treadmill in a virtual reality environment for level and ± 5° cross slopes. Temporal-spatial parameters, kinematics (ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, trunk), and ground reaction forces were examined.

FINDINGS

Compared to level, participants had similar step width but slightly longer steps for top-cross-slope and slightly shorter steps for bottom-cross-slope. Top-cross-slope required a more flexed limb with ankle eversion, and bottom-cross-slope required a more extended limb with ankle inversion. Participants had similar lateral pelvis and trunk motion for all walking conditions, but slightly more anterior trunk lean for top cross-slope with more anterior trunk lean observed for individuals with a lower limb amputation than without lower limb amputation. Participants with a lower limb amputation compensated for limited prosthetic ankle-foot dorsiflexion on the top-cross-slope by increasing prosthetic side hip flexion, reducing intact ankle/knee flexion, and increasing intact push-off force.

INTERPRETATION

Gait adaptations during cross-slope walking were primarily in the lower extremities and were largely similar for those with and without a transtibial amputation. The information presented in this paper provides a better understanding of gait strategies adopted during cross-slope walking and can guide researchers and industry in prosthetic development.

Deleterious Musculoskeletal Conditions Secondary to Lower Limb Loss: Considerations for Prosthesis-Related Factors

Significance: The intent of this work was to summarize the existing evidence of, and highlight knowledge gaps specific to, prosthetic devices/componentry and training regimes, particularly in the context of the human-device interaction and deleterious musculoskeletal conditions secondary to lower limb loss. Recent Advances: With the recent and evolving technological advancements in prostheses, there are numerous devices available to individuals with lower limb loss. Current literature demonstrates the importance of expanding the knowledge of all prosthetic device-specific factors and the significance of proper prescription, fit, and alignment, along with adequate device-/activity-specific training, to enhance human-device interaction, reduce gait abnormalities and compensatory motions, and as a result, mitigate risk for secondary musculoskeletal conditions. Critical Issues: Inadequate device prescription, fit, alignment, and training are evident owing to the lack of knowledge or awareness of the many device-specific properties and factors, leading to suboptimal use, as well as, biomechanical compensations, which collectively and adversely affect the function, activity level, and overall health of the prosthesis user. Future Directions: To maximize optimal outcomes after lower limb loss, it is essential to better appreciate the factors that affect both prosthesis use and satisfaction, particularly any modifiable factors that might be targeted in rehabilitation interventions such as device prescription, fit/alignment, and training regimes. A better understanding of such device-specific factors will help enhance the human-device interaction and resulting functional performance, thereby reducing secondary musculoskeletal conditions, allowing for the readiness of the fighting force (return-to-duty/redeployment) and/or improved reintegration into civilian society/work, and overall enhancing quality of life after lower limb loss.

Effects of Unity Prosthetic Elevated Vacuum Suspension System on Minimum Swing Toe Clearance

BACKGROUND

The risk of tripping in people with amputation is greater than that of able-bodied individuals due to reduced toe clearance during the swing phase. Appropriate prosthetic suspension may increase toe clearance by providing more secured attachment between the residual limb and prosthetic socket. Research is lacking on the Unity suspension system's effect on swing toe clearance.

METHODS

Twelve people with transtibial amputation were fitted with the Unity suspension system. After one month accommodation period, the person walked with active (ON) or inactive vacuum (OFF) in a CAREN-Extended virtual reality system, across multiple simulated real-world scenarios. Prosthetics minimum swing toe clearance, and kinematic data, while the vacuum was ON or OFF, were compared with the intact side and a group of 12 able-bodied individuals.

RESULTS

Minimum swing toe clearance (MSTC) and knee flexion angle were larger on the prosthetic side (active and inactive vacuum) compared to both the intact side and the control group. However, hip flexion angle on the prosthetic side was approximately 17% smaller than the control group. Unlike the control group, MSTC with active and inactive vacuum suspension was not significantly different between level walking and other walking conditions. Finally, among all walking conditions, the lowest swing toe clearance for both control and the amputee groups was recorded when the limb was at the top of a side-slope.

CONCLUSION

An effective suspension system could improve toe clearance; however, significant differences were not found between active and inactive vacuum conditions. The likelihood of inappropriate foot contact on side-slope ground might be greater than other walking conditions for both able-bodied and amputee groups, possibly leading to stumbling or falling.

Lower limb prosthetic interfaces: Clinical and technological advancement and potential future direction

The human-prosthesis interface is one of the most complicated challenges facing the field of prosthetics, despite substantive investments in research and development by researchers and clinicians around the world. The journal of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Prosthetics and Orthotics International, has contributed substantively to the growing body of knowledge on this topic. In celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, this narrative review aims to explore how human-prosthesis interfaces have changed over the last five decades; how research has contributed to an understanding of interface mechanics; how clinical practice has been informed as a result; and what might be potential future directions. Studies reporting on comparison, design, manufacturing and evaluation of lower limb prosthetic sockets, and osseointegration were considered. This review demonstrates that, over the last 50 years, clinical research has improved our understanding of socket designs and their effects; however, high-quality research is still needed. In particular, there have been advances in the development of volume and thermal control mechanisms with a few designs having the potential for clinical application. Similarly, advances in sensing technology, soft tissue quantification techniques, computing technology, and additive manufacturing are moving towards enabling automated, data-driven manufacturing of sockets. In people who are unable to use a prosthetic socket, osseointegration provides a functional solution not available 50 years ago. Furthermore, osseointegration has the potential to facilitate neuromuscular integration. Despite these advances, further improvement in mechanical features of implants, and infection control and prevention are needed.