Although dynamic prosthetic alignment is an important process for the rehabilitation of transtibial amputees, such alignment technique is subjective and inconsistent. Using biomechanical variables and questionnaire assessments, this study compared an instrument-assisted dynamic alignment technique using the Compas™ system and conventional alignment techniques on nine adults with unilateral transtibial amputation. A focus group discussion was conducted with six prosthetists to understand clinical practice of dynamic alignment and their perception of the Compas™ system. Results found that Compas™ produced more anterior weight line displacement and greater varus moment on the prosthesis than conventional alignment techniques. Alignment changes did not affect pelvic acceleration, and the instrument-assisted alignment technique produced certain biomechanical changes but not necessarily better alignments. Although the current version of the Compas™ system is not clinically feasible, it can be used as a teaching/justification tool. Further investigation with larger sample size and ankle alignment or moment measures is needed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/33376 |
| Date | 21 November 2012 |
| Creators | Chen, Wen Jia Caroline |
| Contributors | Andrysek, Jan |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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