What is available in prosthetic "componentry?"

	socket suspension feet knees

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Prosthetic sockets

• Above-knee
  • quadrilateral socket
  • ischial containment socket What are their relative advantages?

• Below-knee
  • patellar tendon bearing (PTB) notes on PTB socket design, courtesy of Dankmeyer, Inc., Linthicum, MD.

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Suspension systems

Above-knee

	Hip joint and pelvic band	diagrams from Muilenburg, A.L., & Wilson, A.B. (1996). A Manual for Below-Knee Amputees. [On-line]. Available: http://www.oandp.com/manuals/ak6.htm.
	Silesian belt
	Elastic belt
	Suction

Below-knee suspension

	information on these and other BK suspension systems drawings from Muilenburg, A.L., & Wilson, A.B. (1996). A Manual for Below-Knee Amputees. [On-line]. Available: http://www.oandp.com/manuals/7.htm.

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Prosthetic feet

	SACH foot
	Single axis foot
	SAFE foot
	Multiaxial foot
	Dynamic response feet
more information on prosthetic feet: Muilenburg, A.L.,& Wilson, A.W. (1996). A Manual for Above-Knee Amputees. Ankle-Foot Systems. [On-line]. Available: http://www.oandp.com/manuals/ak10.htm

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Prosthetic knees

Prosthetic knees must provide (1) stability during stance and (2) smooth and properly timed movement during swing. While prosthetic knees with great intrinsic stability are indicated for people whose residual limbs are short or weak, their stability also interferes with voluntary control.

Types of knees for stance stability:

• single-axis knee
• weight-activated friction knee
• polycentric (four-bar) knee
• hydraulic knee

Types of knee friction systems for swing control

• constant friction
• variable friction
• hydraulic

more information on prosthetic knee components: Muilenburg, A.L.,& Wilson, A.W. (1996). A Manual for Above-Knee Amputees. The Knee System. [On-line]. Available: http://www.oandp.com/manuals/ak8.htm

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Last updated 5-19-01 Dave Thompson PT
return to rehabilitation of people with LE amputations