Bone-anchored limbs (BAL) using a transcutaneous osseointegration implant are gaining popularity as a solution for socket-suspended prosthesis users suffering from socket-related problems.
Appropriate alignment is crucial in transtibial prosthetic fitting, involving the positioning of the prosthetic foot in relation to the residual limb. The alignment of a transtibial BAL has consequences for the moments around the joints and implant. Due to the absence of a pseudo-joint (i.e. socket-residual limb interface), suboptimal alignment of a BAL can lead to serious moments on both adjective joints and the BAL components (e.g. the osseointegration implant and the connector). These moments may lead to negative long-term effects such as osteoarthritis and excessive wear of BAL components. A clear understanding of the relationship between transtibial prosthetic alignment and moments around the joints and BAL components for bone-anchored prosthetic users is still lacking.
Presentations will be given by a multidisciplinary team with experience in BAL rehabilitation care up to 15 years. The team consists of a physical therapist, a prosthetist, and a human movement scientist. Topics covered include instruments used to evaluate alignment (e.g. LASAR Posture 3D, x-rays, instrumented gait analysis), the relationship between static and dynamic measures, and responsiveness of dynamic measures.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
Attendees will enrich their knowledge about the applicable methods to optimize transtibial BAL’s and the impact of alignment on joints, BAL components, and gait. The philosophy behind the methods and lessons learned will be discussed.
