A patient with a hip disarticulation prosthesis is having difficulty with toe clearance during the swing phase of gait.Which of the following prosthetic changes is MOST effective for eliminating this gait deviation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shortening the prosthetic limb will increase the height of the prosthetic foot during swing phase, allowing for improved toe clearance. Increasing friction in the knee or tightening the extension aid may provide more stability during stance phase but will not directly address the issue of toe clearance. Lengthening the prosthesis would exacerbate the problem by requiring more energy to lift the entire limb, including the foot, during the swing phase.

A Patient with a Hip Disarticulation Prosthesis Is Having Difficulty