LAS VEGAS —A microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee significantly increased mobility and quality of life among patients with above-knee amputation who had previously had limited mobility, according to a presenter at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association 2017 World Congress.
“Three months after use, the [Ottobock] Kenevo significantly reduced the risk for falling, improved locomotive capacities, improved satisfaction, improved mental health and adds to the increasing evidence for the use of [microprocessor-controlled exo-prosthetic knees],” Andreas Hahn, PhD, MSc, of Ottobock HealthCare Vienna in Austria, said on behalf of the Kenevo investigator group.
To test the effectiveness of the Kenevo in addressing the needs of patients with above-knee amputations and limited mobility, researchers conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled x-over study in 16 health centers across three European countries. Researchers recorded the participants’ performance and perception, including timed up and go (TUG) and locomotor capability index (LCI) and the number of falls.
Researchers retrieved data at baseline, 3 months after initial fitting and 1 month after returning to the patient’s original prosthesis. A total of 35 participants were included in the study.
According to the researchers, the patients showed a reduction in TUG from 24.8 ± 8.3 seconds to 21.6 ± 9 seconds. In addition, LCI improved by 8%.
“The clinical observations are highly relevant,” Hahn said. “The reduction in TUG time is associated with a significant reduction in the risk for falling.” – by Jason Laday
Reference:
Hahn A, et al. Clinical results of the use of a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee component for above-knee amputees of low mobility. Presented at: American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association World Congress; Sept. 6-9, 2017; Las Vegas.
Disclosure
: Hahn reports employment with Ottobock, which manufactures the Kenevo and provided funding for the study.
