THE EFFECT OF PROSTHETIC ALIGNMENT ON RELATIVE LIMB LOADING IN PERSONS WITH TRANS-TIBIAL AMPUTATION - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The prosthetic sockets of 14 independent persons with unilateral trans -tibial (BK) amputation were mounted on an adjustable alignment pylon. Vertical ground reaction forces were recorded in neutral prosthetic a lignment and in 10 degrees of prosthetic socket varus, valgus, flexion , and extension. Stance phase time, peak vertical ground reaction forc e, and impulse were all found to be increased on the sound limb when c ompared to the amputated residual limb. Significant differences were f ound in stance phase time and peak vertical ground reaction force when comparing malaligned with neutrally aligned prosthetic limbs. Signifi cant differences were also seen in impulse between neutrally aligned a nd malaligned prosthetic limbs. The results suggest that prosthetic ma lalignment in persons with trans-tibial amputation leads to increased loading of the contralateral limb.