Biomechanical assessment of persons with bilateral transfemoral/through-knee amputations using stubby prostheses: a pilot study
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background: Stubby prostheses are non-articulated prostheses used by persons with bilateral transfemoral/through-knee amputations (BTF) either exclusively, or alongside full-length articulated prostheses. The implications of stubby prosthesis use on musculoskeletal function and movement patterns is unclear. This study aims to provide insights into the biomechanics of walking with stubbies.
Methods: Gait data were collected using a 10-camera motion capture system from four male traumatic BTF who exclusively use stubbies and four male traumatic BTF who use multiple prostheses, including stubbies and full-length articulated prostheses. Both cohorts completed level-ground walking trials wearing stubby prostheses. Muscle parameters were quantified through high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans.
Results: Compared to BTF who use multiple prostheses, stubbies-only users showed lower walking speeds by 15% (0.79 vs 0.93 m/s), lower cadence by 20% (91.2 vs 114.7 steps/min), lower peak hip flexion angles by 45% (19.7° vs 35.9°), larger peak-to-peak anterior pelvic tilt by 103% (15.8° vs 7.8°). Stubbies-only users presented lower overall muscle volume and physiological cross-sectional area.
Conclusion: In this small cohort, full time stubby users presented signs of muscle weakness that were not observed in those using full-length articulated prostheses. This may impact current and future functional abilities.
Methods: Gait data were collected using a 10-camera motion capture system from four male traumatic BTF who exclusively use stubbies and four male traumatic BTF who use multiple prostheses, including stubbies and full-length articulated prostheses. Both cohorts completed level-ground walking trials wearing stubby prostheses. Muscle parameters were quantified through high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans.
Results: Compared to BTF who use multiple prostheses, stubbies-only users showed lower walking speeds by 15% (0.79 vs 0.93 m/s), lower cadence by 20% (91.2 vs 114.7 steps/min), lower peak hip flexion angles by 45% (19.7° vs 35.9°), larger peak-to-peak anterior pelvic tilt by 103% (15.8° vs 7.8°). Stubbies-only users presented lower overall muscle volume and physiological cross-sectional area.
Conclusion: In this small cohort, full time stubby users presented signs of muscle weakness that were not observed in those using full-length articulated prostheses. This may impact current and future functional abilities.
Date Acceptance
2026-04-06
Citation
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
ISSN
0309-3646
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Journal / Book Title
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
Copyright Statement
Subject to copyright. This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the author’s accepted manuscript will be made available under a CC-BY License in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy).
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Publication Status
Accepted