Abstract

OLIVARES MIYARES, Andy L et al. Analysis of the functional qualities of trans-femoral orthopedic prostheses. Rev Cubana Ortop Traumatol [online]. 2011, vol.25, n.2, pp.102-116. ISSN 0864-215X.

Introduction: the functional quality of the prosthetic devices of lower extremities is usually expressed in terms to relate the functional benefits to those functional needs and the wellbeing of the amputee. This wellbeing is related mainly to a minimal energetic output of patient and to the lack of diseases of residual joints induced by the prosthesis during the gait. Objective: to assess the functional qualities of trans-femoral prostheses used in Cuba by the integration of results of kinematics analysis of the gait of amputee, combined with mechanics analysis of rigid solids applying numerical simulations. Methods: the gait's analysis of 8 patients with trans-femoral unilateral amputations and 5 normal subjects (controls) was made by videographic techniques. The dynamics estimation of strengths acting on the articular segments was carried out and determination of strain and deformations suffering the stump zones and of the ankle joint by finite elements method. Results: the significant changes in the dynamics of ankle-knee-hip articulation segments are present as the result of gait asymmetry of the prosthetic limb and the healthy one. This imbalance may be one of the leading causes of degenerative diseases of hip observed in this type of patient. Conclusions: the analysis of functional qualities of trans-femoral prosthetic devices only is possible by means of the integration of cinematic methods of gait characterization, dynamic methods establishing the possibility to replicate to the activity of healthy limb. Using this study also it was possible the mechanical resistance study linking all results to the appearance of diseases of intact limb as well as the residual one.

Keywords : biomechanics; trans-femoral prosthesis; finite elements method.

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