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INTRODUCTION
Sound prosthetic alignment has historically been stressed to enhance residual limb comfort and maximize walking capabilities in persons with lower extremity amputation. Little is understood regarding the relationship between the amputation residual limb and the contralateral remaining sound limb. Clinical and objective scientific data substantiate the observation that unilateral amputees transfer load to their sound limb to a relatively greater degree than to their amputated residual limb (1-3). When surveyed, persons with unilateral lower extremity amputation experience pain in their non-amputated limb at a rate of between 19 and 71 percent (2,4,5). Further studies have reported asymmetric gait patterns, altered biomechanical load, and decreased tolerance to the generalized level of deformity, when compared to persons without amputation (2-10).
The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the relationship between prosthetic alignment and relative load on the amputated residual limb and on the contralateral remaining sound extremity.
METHODS
Fourteen persons with unilateral trans-tibial (BK) amputation, 12 men and 2 women ranging in age from 25 to 74 years (mean 45 years), participated in the study. A total of 13 patients underwent amputation secondary to traumatic injury, while 1 patient underwent surgery due to peripheral vascular disease. All subjects meeting the entry criteria were asked to participate. In order to insure sufficient ambulatory potential to complete the series of experiments, the following criteria for inclusion were selected:
1. A weight change of less than 10 pounds during the year preceeding participation in the study
2. Subjects required to be independent community ambulators for a period of 12 months
3. Subjects involved in the study not allowed to use assistive devices for walking
4. Residual limb length between 12 cm and 15 cm
5. No residual limb soft tissue envelope deficiencies, or adherent scar tissue between skin and bone
6. The present amputation was a primary amputation, without any previous amputations that required surgical revision
7. Patients had their present prosthetic device for a minimum of 1 year
8. Subjects wore an endoskeletal prosthetic system allowing...
