<p>Transtibial stump volume can change dramatically postoperatively and jeopardise prosthetic fitting. Differences between individuals make it hard to give general recommendations of when to fit with a definitive prosthesis. Measuring the stump volume on every patient could solve this, but most methods for volume assessments are too complicated for clinical use.</p><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate accuracy and intra- and interrater precision of a method to estimate stump volume from circumferential measurements. The method approximates the stump as a number of cut cones and the tip as a sphere segment.</p><p>Accuracy was evaluated theoretically on six scanned stump models in CAPOD software and manually on six stump models. Precision was evaluated by comparing measurements made by four CPOs on eight stumps. Measuring devices were a wooden rule and a metal circumference rule. The errors were estimated with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), where 0,85 was considered acceptable, and a clinical criterion that a volume error of ±5% was acceptable (5% corresponds to one stocking).</p><p>The method was accurate on all models in theory but accurate on only four models in reality. The ICC was 0,95-1,00 for intrarater precision but only 0,76 for interrater precision. Intra- and interrater precision was unsatisfying when using clinical criteria. Variations between estimated tip heights and circumferences were causing the errors.</p><p>The method needs to be developed and is not suitable for stumps with narrow ends. Using a longer rule (about 30 cm) with a set square end to assess tip heights is recommended to improve precision. Using a flexible measuring-tape (possible to disinfect) with a spring-loaded handle could improve precision of the circumferential measurements.</p>

Diss. (sammanfattning) Göteborg : Göteborgs universitet, 2008.

The aims of this study were to; determine if it is possible for amputees to identify walking surfaces by receiving feedback through their prostheses. determine if there are any measurable changes in amputee gait characteristics when walking on different surfaces.   Methods Subjects walked on a specially built walkway with exchangeable surface materials (level, soft and tilted) with visual and audio feedback occluded. Subjects were required to identify the surface material. Kinematic data were collected simultaneously.   Results Agreement between the true surface and that identified by the subject on the amputated side was fair to good (k=0.58). A two way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference in lateral knee displacement between heel contact to foot flat, with main effect for surface (p=0.010).   Conclusion Amputees have a fair to good ability to identify walking surfaces without additional information from eye sight, hearing or the sound limb.   The kinematic measures showed a significant increase in lateral knee displacement between heel contact to foot flat on the tilted surface compared to both level and soft surfaces. This was the case for both the amputated and the sound side.   The duration of heel contact to foot flat was unaffected by walking surface and first or second step. / Titel: Transtibialt amputerades varseblivning av gångunderlag – En pilotstudie   Syftet med studien var att; undersöka om det är möjligt för en amputerad att identifiera gångunderlag genom informationen de får via protesen. undersöka om det existerar några mätbara förändringar i den amputerades gångmönster på olika underlag.   Metod Försökspersonerna gick på en specialbyggd gångbana med utbytbart gångunderlag (plant, mjukt och vinklat), med visuella intryck och ljud från gångbanan isolerade. Försökspersonerna ombads identifiera gångunderlaget. Kinematiska data samlades in simultant.   Resultat Överensstämmelse mellan det verkliga underlaget och det som rapporterades av försökspersonen var godkänt till bra (k=0,58). En two way repeated measures ANOVA visade en signifikant skillnad gällande lateral knärörelse mellan hälisättning och framfotsisättning, med huvudeffekt för gångunderlag (p=0,010).   Slutsats Amputerade har en godkänt till bra förmåga att identifiera gångunderlag utan extra information från syn, hörsel eller från det friska benet.   Kinematiska data visade en signifikant ökning av lateral knärörelse mellan hälisättning och framfotsisättning på det vinklade underlaget jämfört med både det plana och det mjuka underlaget. Detta gällde för både amputerad och frisk sida.   Tiden för hälisättning till framfotsisättning var ej påverkad av gångunderlag, och inte heller av om det var första eller andra steget.

Thesis (M.Eng.). / Written for the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/07/29). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc.). / Written for the Medical Physics Unit. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/07/29). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1986.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1986.

Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1997. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.

Thesis (doctoral)--Katholieke Universiteit te Nijmegen.

Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1997. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.