People with transfemoral amputations (TFA) stumble 2.5-4.5 times per month with 1-2 falls per month. Microprocessor knees (MPKs) have been attributed to the reduction of falls in people with TFA and as a result, the prescription for these devices are expanding to K2 patients. However, the anatomy of falls is complex. In fact, most falls are not exclusively prosthetic related but rather, they can be correlated to physical limitations, such as impaired balance related to comorbidities, decreased strength and gait limitations. Moreover, other pre-existing factors such as cognition, motivation and medication interactions combined with environmental factors and decreased social participation can play a significant role in falls. Identifying the characteristics of patients at risk can assist with prosthetic prescription and treatment. This evidence-based presentation will discuss a series of relevant published systematic reviews performed by various working groups from other professions. Presenters will outline mechanisms of falls with and without a prosthetic knee and patient characteristics from the best-known evidence. The biomechanics of when and how falls occur with a prosthesis and the different recovery mechanisms employed by people with TFAs will be described. Additionally, the falls assessment and outcomes measures recommended by allied health professionals and their application to the field of O&P will be discussed. Finally, a brief overview of evidence-based, multi-disciplinary treatment approaches for MPK users will be discussed. Comprehensive care plans for MPKs and fall safety for our patient’s well-being can have positive effects for patients, clinicians, providers and the profession.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe the mechanism of trips and falls and influence of the MPK characteristics.
2. Identify the most common falls outcome measures use by health professionals.
