Pages 9–18 Transverse rotation and longitudinal translation during prosthetic gait—A literature review

Abstract—Improved technology allows for more accurate gait analysis to increase awareness of nonoptimized prosthetic gait patterns and for the manufacture of sophisticated prosthetic components to improve nonoptimized gait patterns. However, prescriptions are often based on intuition rather than rigorous research findings for evidence-based practice. The number of studies found in the literature that are based on prosthetic research regarding transverse rotation and longitudinal transla-tion is small when compared to topics regarding other types of movements. Some design criteria for prosthetic components described in those studies that permit transverse rotation and longitudinal translation can be found in current designs. How-ever, little research has been conducted to establish their effec-tiveness on the gait parameters and residual limb. This literature review is an investigation into these motions between the socket and the prosthetic foot, with particular reference to gait characteristics and prosthetic design criteria. Key words: artificial limbs, displacement, gait, leg prosthesis, locomotion, movement, pressure, rotation. prosthesis. It concealed the prosthesis and enlarged the contact area with the ground, thus increasing stability because of a change in action of ground reaction forces. The resultant design therefore consisted of a socket and a prosthetic foot, with a post serving as a connection between the socket and the prosthetic foot rather than the socket and the ground. Although materials and suspen-sion systems have changed since then, current designs are still based on this type of composition and some have additional features, including a conversion of the rigid post into an articulated connector. For reasons of simplic-ity and durability, most of these articulations provided motion predominantly in the sagittal plane and were par-ticularly beneficial for high levels of amputation, because of the loss of proximal joints and the subsequent need for longer prostheses.