Summary and Conclusions from the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists State-of-the-Science Conference on Microprocessor Knee Control Mechanisms

摘要

This article summarizes the results from deliberations by a multidisciplinary group of experts convened by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) to review the state of the science regarding the use of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee mechanisms (MPKs). Although studies after 2009, bilateral amputations, and powered knee systems were not included in the original systematic review, these topics were discussed in the context of the State-of-the-Science Conference (SSC) to help guide further research proposals. On the basis of the comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, only a few articles presented up to moderate-quality evidence that the use of MPKs enhanced functional outcomes. Many of the clinical perspectives, however, should give reason and direction for future literature in a way that has yet to be fully explored and should help to differentiate the true functional advantages or disadvantages of the various types of MPKs and the impact that these have on a select patient population with transfemoral amputation.