Design and preliminary evaluation of a microprocessor controlled ankle-knee prosthetic system for above knee amputees (original) (raw)

In spite of significant technical improvements on prosthetic components, the above knee amputees continue to report some difficulties for ambulation during outdoor displacements. Some of these difficulties could be attributed to the lack of ankle adaptations. A prototype of a microprocessorcontrolled ankle-knee prosthetic system that mimics various adaptations observed for asymptomatic people was designed and evaluated in slopes and stairs with one above knee amputee. Compared to conventional designs, the prototype allows an increase of ankle range of motion during both the stance phase and the swing phase. The patient reported an increase of comfort and safety in slopes and stairs using this prototype.