Prosthetic feet designed for people with Syme amputations are often low-profile to accommodate build-height restrictions, resulting in decreased energy return during gait. However, a recent study concluded, high-profile crossover feet that attach to the posterior proximal aspect of the prosthetic socket can bypass these restrictions and may promote a more physiologic gait pattern.
Researchers compared level-ground gait biomechanics and patient-reported outcomes between crossover and traditional energy-storing feet in two people with Syme amputation. Both participants were fit with energy-storing and crossover feet and were randomized to the order they used the feet. They used each foot for two weeks before assessment. Step length symmetry, prosthetic ankle range of motion, prosthetic-side energy return, and peak sound-side loading were determined from motion capture data obtained in a laboratory. Mobility and balance confidence were measured using standardized patient-reported outcome measures. Foot preference was assessed with an ad hoc survey.
The researchers found that prosthetic ankle peak dorsiflexion and push-off power increased with the crossover foot compared with the energy-storing foot for both participants. Both participants reported an overall preference for the crossover foot.
The crossover feet increased prosthetic ankle range of motion and energy return compared with traditional energy-storing feet. Crossover feet may be a promising alternative to traditional low-profile feet for people with Syme amputation, the study concluded.
