Musculoskeletal Measurements in Transfemoral Amputees

Status unconfirmed

Conditions studied: Lower Limb Loss

In brief

The aim of this study was to identify posture asymmetries in transfemoral amputees utilizing clinical evaluation measures. The purposes of this investigation were: 1) to measure the limb length indirectly to determine the proportion of participants with LLD and to quantify the mean amount of discrepancy. The investigators hypothesized that a majority of transfemoral amputees would present with a short prosthetic limb. 2) To measure pelvic tilt to determine if transfemoral amputees undergo musculoskeletal adaptations similar to those reported in the literature. The investigators hypothesized that transfemoral amputees would present with a greater degree of anterior pelvic tilt and pelvic innominate asymmetry than what has been previously reported. 3) To assess restriction in lateral trunk flexion and hip extension to determine if asymmetry was present and if it was related to the increase in anterior pelvic tilt. The investigators hypothesized that restrictions would be found in the lateral trunk flexors and hip flexors on the amputated side contributing to posture asymmetry at the pelvis. 4) To determine if musculoskeletal adaptations at the pelvis were affected by prosthetic limb length, lateral trunk flexion and hip extension restrictions, and residual limb length. The investigators hypothesized that the previously reported posture asymmetries would contribute to musculoskeletal adaptations at the pelvis and trunk. Results of the present study will provide a reference for clinicians when using clinical evaluation measures to determine the presence of posture asymmetries in transfemoral amputees. If posture asymmetries are detected, clinicians need to determine musculoskeletal structures at fault and offer treatment solutions to prevent secondary impairments.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00909922

Run by

Miami VA Healthcare System

People needed

80

Starts

2006-01-01

Expected to finish

2010-12-01

Last updated by the study team

2009-05-29

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Healthy Individuals with:
• Unilateral transfemoral or knee disarticulation amputations between the ages 18 to 80.
• History of at least one episode of low back pain in the past.
• Ambulate independently of an assisted device or those who require the use of a cane or crutches for walking on level grounds.
• Comfortably fitted with prosthesis for a period of at least 6 months.
• More than 12 months post-amputation.

You may not qualify if…

• Individuals with:
• Amputation on the contralateral limb.
• Open wound on non-amputated side.
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or stroke that affect their ability to ambulate.
• Who require a walker or wheelchair for locomotion on level ground.

Where it is running

• Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System — Miami, Florida, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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