Benefits of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees to limited community ambulators: Systematic review

The benefits of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs) have been well established in community ambulators (Medicare Functional Classification Level [MFCL]-3) with a transfemoral amputation (TFA). A systematic review of the literature was performed to analyze whether limited community ambu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of rehabilitation research and development Vol. 51; no. 10; pp. 1469 - 1496
Main Authors Kannenberg, Andreas, Zacharias, Britta, Pröbsting, Eva
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Department of Veterans Affairs 01.01.2014
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ISSN0748-7711
1938-1352
1938-1352
DOI10.1682/JRRD.2014.05.0118

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Summary:The benefits of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs) have been well established in community ambulators (Medicare Functional Classification Level [MFCL]-3) with a transfemoral amputation (TFA). A systematic review of the literature was performed to analyze whether limited community ambulators (MFCL-2) may also benefit from using an MPK in safety, performance-based function and mobility, and perceived function and satisfaction. We searched 10 scientific databases for clinical trials with MPKs and identified six publications with 57 subjects with TFA and MFCL-2 mobility grade. Using the criteria of a Cochrane Review on prosthetic components, we rated methodological quality moderate in four publications and low in two publications. MPK use may significantly reduce uncontrolled falls by up to 80% as well as significantly improve indicators of fall risk. Performance-based outcome measures suggest that persons with MFCL-2 mobility grade may be able to walk about 14% to 25% faster on level ground, be around 20% quicker on uneven surfaces, and descend a slope almost 30% faster when using an MPK. The results of this systematic review suggest that trial fittings may be used to determine whether or not individuals with TFA and MFCL-2 mobility grade benefit from MPK use. Criteria for patient selection and assessment of trial fitting success or failure are proposed.
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ISSN:0748-7711
1938-1352
1938-1352
DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2014.05.0118