Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKISH JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION-FIZYOTERAPI REHABILITASYON, cilt.20, sa.3, ss.169-177, 2009 (ESCI)
Purpose: This study was planned to investigate the effects of a hydraulic knee joint on gait, energy consumption and patient satisfaction in trans-femoral amputees. Material and methods: Ten patients with a mean age of 22.7+/-9.4 years who had undergone amputations due to traffic accidents and used prostheses with a mechanic knee joint, polyester quadrilateral socket and dynamic foot initially were included in the study. The patients were fitted with prostheses including a hydraulic knee joint, quadrilateral acrylic socket and a dynamic foot. Gait was assessed using Biodex Gait Trainer 2TM and energy consumption by a 6-minute walk test, quality of life was assessed with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance was assessed with Berg Balance Scale with each type of prosthesis. A patient satisfaction questionnaire (SATPRO) was also applied. Results: The results showed that the prostheses with a hydraulic knee joint and new socket enabled the amputees to walk closer to normal than their previous prostheses did (p<0.05). Energy consumption of the patients was lower when the hydraulic knee joint was used compared to the mechanical knee joint (p<0.05). According to the NHP, there were no significant differences between the two types of prosthesis except for pain (p> 0.05). The patients who used hydraulic knee joints stated that they were more comfortable when using prostheses with this type of joint according to SATPRO (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was shown that energy consumption decreased, subjects' satisfaction increased and gait was near normal by the use of hydraulic knee joint in trans-femoral amputees. It can be concluded that hydraulic knee joint usage can provide convenience to patients clinically.