A team of researchers from Canada compared conventional prosthetic alignment techniques with the effectiveness and utility of instrument-assisted alignment techniques in clinical practice. Their study provides new information about the clinical utilization of instrument-assisted prosthetic alignment techniques for individuals with transtibial amputations. The study was published in the April issue of Prosthetics and Orthotics International.
In a crossover study design, dynamic prosthetic alignments were provided to nine individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations to compare conventional and instrument-assisted alignment techniques. The instrument-assisted technique involved a commercially available force and torque sensing dynamic alignment system (Compas™). Cadence, pelvic accelerations, and socket moments were assessed. A custom questionnaire was used to gather user perceptions.
The study concludes that no differences between alignment techniques were found in global gait measures including cadence and pelvic accelerations. No significant alignment differences were achieved by examination of angular changes between the socket and foot; however, significantly higher below-the-socket moments were found with the instrument-assisted technique. From the questionnaire, six study cohorts had no preference, while three preferred the conventional alignment.
