Understanding the Transtibial and Transfemoral Limb/Socket Interfaces

Course overview

Why is the interaction between the residual limb and the socket so critical? Many fitting problems can be solved if a full understanding of the socket biomechanics is gained. This course relates the forces that occur on the limb in each phase of gait, allowing the clinician to isolate issues that may hinder progress in therapy. It also explores why the training of the patient with a transfemoral amputation is so much more complicated. The transfemoral patient has no direct muscle control of the knee function. Knee stability and control are of paramount importance to maintain safety and stability during ambulation. This course will correlate the forces that occur both on the limb and the knee to each phase of gait. Problem solving can be augmented by noting the knee stability at each phase of gait and how the skin appears after ambulation.