Transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with carbon-fiber plate: enhanced gait function

• Published in: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation Vol. 83; no. 2; p. 124
• Main Authors: Tang, Simon F T, Chen, Carl P C, Chen, Max J L, Chen, Weng-Pin, Leong, Chau-Peng, Chu, Ngok-Kiu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2004
• Subjects: Adult; Amputation - rehabilitation; Ankle Joint - physiology; Biomechanical Phenomena; Bone Plates; Carbon; Case-Control Studies; Gait - physiology; Humans; Male; Metatarsus - surgery; Prostheses and Implants; Prosthesis Design
• ISSN: 0894-9115
• DOI: 10.1097/01.PHM.0000107483.39213.24

To determine whether the design of a transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate would improve gait pattern in patients with transmetatarsal amputations. In the gait laboratory in a tertiary medical center, eight male patients with transmetatarsal amputations were recruited. Nine able-bodied male volunteers were recruited as the control group. A full-length standard shoe and a transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate were the footwear used. Our transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis included a custom-molded insole, a mounted toe filler, and a thin, lightweight, carbon-fiber plate incorporated directly beneath the insole. After wearing the transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate, the results of the kinetic and kinematic studies were summarized. The transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate improved gait pattern significantly in patients with transmetatarsal amputations. Drastic shoe modifications are not necessary to have the prosthesis inserted. The carbon-fiber plate functions like the spring-steel shank within the sole of the shoe. The carbon-fiber plate, the toe filler, and the total-contact insole are all mounted as a whole to ensure better foot contact. Therefore, our transmetatarsal amputation prosthesis with a carbon-fiber plate can be a good alternative choice of footwear in patients with transmetatarsal amputations.