Clinical outcomes comparing two prosthetic knee designs in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcome assessments provide important input for the rehabilitation of individuals with transfemoral amputation. Differences in prosthetic knee designs may influence clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this study was to compare functional mobility, balance, prosthetic satisfaction and quality of life in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation with microprocessor-controlled (MPK) and non-microprocessor knee designs (Non-MPK). METHODOLOGY: The study included ten experienced MPK (Rheo Knee) users (Group 1) and ten experienced Non-MPK (Total Knee® 2000) users (Group 2). For mobility; the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), for balance; the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Single Leg Stand Test (SLST) and Four Square Step Test (FSST), for quality of life; the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and for prosthetic satisfaction; the Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire (SATPRO) were administered. FINDINGS: 6MWT results of the MPK group were significantly higher than Non-MPK group (p <0.05). In the MPK group a strong negative correlation was found between the FSST and the 6MWT (r= -0.661, p=0.038). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p>0.05) comparing balance, prosthesis satisfaction and quality of life values. CONCLUSION: The findings will inform about the patient's prognosis and the expected clinical outcomes when prescribing an MPK or an Non-MPK. Individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation covered longer distances using an MPK compared to Non-MPK.