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Introduction: In the United States, access to microprocessor-controlled prosthetic ankles is limited to patients with lower-limb loss classified as unlimited community ambulators or greater. However, the potential benefits of these devices have not been evaluated among patients classified as household or limited community ambulators. This study examined the benefit of hydraulic- and microprocessor-controlled prosthetic ankles for patients classified as limited community ambulators. Materials and Methods: Four different treatment configurations were evaluated using a randomized crossover study design. These four configurations included the participant's current flexible keel (FK) prosthetic foot, an energy-storage-and-return foot (ESAR), a hydraulic ankle (HA), and amicroprocessor ankle (MPA). After a 2-week accommodation period, both patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures were recorded for each ankle foot system. A StepWatch activity monitor and two-dimensional video motion analysis were also used to evaluate each system. Results: A single participant meeting the inclusion criteria was recruited. The patient-reportedmobility and socket fit instruments were greatest with the HA system. When assessed on slopes and stairs, the MPA demonstrated benefits on hill ascent and stair descent. In considering the walking speed and perceived exertion jointly, the HA system allowed similar walking speed but lower exertion compared with fixed-ankle systems. The patient-reported low back pain and balance confidence instruments did not provide useful data for interpretation. Two-dimensional videomotion analysis showed that the HA and MPA contributed to improved ankle and knee postures when ascending and descending a slope. The step activity data showed the greatest activity with the HA. Discussion: The results from the outcome measures showed a varying level of benefit across all four of the treatment configurations. Both the HA and MPA had favorable scores in varying performance-based outcome measures, but the HA scored the most favorable in a majority of the patient-reported outcome measures. Conclusion: The results show varying benefits of the microprocessor- and hydraulic-controlled prosthetic components over fixed-ankle ESAR and FK feet, based on both performance-based and patient-reported outcome measures. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate these benefits in larger sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since their release, prosthetic feet with integrated hydraulic ankle units have proved a popular prescription choice among individuals with amputation, as quantified in previous studies. Since the release of the Avalon foot, a new design specifically aimed at less active individuals with amputation, all the patients prescribed this foot within our clinic have been asked to trial and then evaluate it using the Seattle Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire. Materials and Methods: Fourteen established K2 activity level patients with amputation were asked to evaluate their existing prosthetic foot using the Seattle Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire before beginning a trial of the new Avalon foot for a period of 4 weeks. The Avalon foot was then evaluated using the same tool after this trial. Results: The results showed the patients recorded an improvement in all the domains evaluated. There were significant improvements noted in both the overall prosthetic satisfaction and in the patients' overall gait satisfaction. Conclusions: The results showed a marked improvement in the patients' perception of their prosthesis when using the Avalon foot, and further studies including gait analysis are warranted to help in our understanding of this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]