Recent Developments in Above-Knee Prosthetics and the Importance of Energy Recovery in Transfemoral Amputee Gait

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: Use of a spring as an energy harvest/release mechanism for transfemoral prosthetics designs is gaining traction. While springs theo retically can minimize the energy flow deficiency during the stance phase knee flexion, there are problems associated with controlling the release of energy harvested by springs. The purpose of this review is to discuss the importance of controlled energy flow at the knee joint, recent attempts to harvest/return energy and the emphasis on the role of the ankle prosthesis in achieving assisted gait. Study Design: Literature Review Methods: Use of a spring in emerging prosthetic knee designs are presented in terms of their energy regeneration abilities along with their advantages and limitations. Results: Use of a spring in knee prosthetics can cut power demand signifi cantly as they mimick the musculotendonous structures by harvesting and returning needed energy. Conclusions: Controlled energy flow at the knee joint could not only provide natural movement of the amputated limb but could also create positive power peaks at the knee joint. These features cannot be produced by any of the current generation of controlled damping prosthetic knees.