2011 Advanced Lower Extremity Prosthetic Design Seminars

With the increasing number of prosthetic foot designs and microprocessor knees promising an ever widening spectrum of functions, the prosthetist is faced with new patient recommendation decisions that greatly affect clinical outcomes. This workshop will examine the development of current composite dynamic foot and microprocessor knee systems with respect to biomechanics, physiologic function, and functional design classification. The physiologic functions of shock absorption, weight bearing stability, progression, and stance phase stability will be discussed in relation to optimal patient performance and adjustment. The evolution of foot and knee design will also be discussed in relation to the present designs of the Element, IBEX, Wave, Motion Foot, and REL-K designers.

Attendees will receive hands-on demonstrations that allow them to experience the new feet and knee designs first hand. The participants will also get a detailed view of how these designs were developed for future performance and rugged durability to compare other designs available for their patients. Participants should walk away with a more comprehensive understanding of how prosthetic feet and knees are designed and how their performance may be maximized.