Literature review of prosthetics for transtibial amputees

Abstract

Approximately 82% of all amputations performed in the USA are transtibial amputations, in which the leg is removed below the knee. Because the knee joint is left intact the use of prosthetics is one of the most preferred methods for returning mobility to amputees. The improvement of prosthetics for transtibial amputees is currently an area of intense research. The purpose of this paper is to have a technical survey for transtibial prosthetic including four major components associated with standard transtibial prosthetic. The socket transfers the forces between the residual limb and the prosthetic. A suspension system ensures that solid contact is maintained between the leg and the artificial limb. The prosthetic foot is attached to the socket by a pylon, which also accounts for length of limb lost during amputation. Prosthetic feet come in many forms ranging from little more than wooden blocks to carbon fibre sprinting feet. Two recent advances in transtibial prosthetics include the procedures of direct skeletal attachment, and distaltibiofibular bone bridging which increases the weight bearing capability of the residual limb.