Multidimensional motion of the talux® foot system in a bilateral transtibial amputee

The State-of-the-Science Conference on Prosthetic Feet and Ankle Mechanisms in 2005 identified the application of multidimensional kinematic models as a future research priority in evaluating function in amputees. This case study provides an example of the utility of these advanced kinematic modeling techniques in the measurement of multidimensional motion of the foot shell relative to the vertical strut during level ground and side slope (∼20°) in a bilateral transtibial amputee. The kinematic model was able to detect coronal plane motion of the foot shell relative to the strut during both side-slope walking and maximal side-slope loading of the prosthetic foot. The development of a technique to assess dynamic function in different conditions may lead to the improved design of prosthetic foot systems. Further studies should be conducted to assess different prosthetic foot systems across a variety of users and over a range of conditions such as uneven terrain, inclined/declined surfaces, and various modalities of gait modulation.