Article

Postural asymmetries are thought to lead to impairment of body
structure and function such as muscle imbalance, gait asymmetry and possible
chronic conditions, which result in limitation of mobility and restriction of
daily activity for transfemoral amputees (TFAs). Despite the potential clinical
impact, postural asymmetries have not been confirmed or quantified in TFAs.
OBJECTIVES: To identify the presence of postural asymmetries in TFAs utilizing
clinical evaluation measures. STUDY DESIGN: An observational cross-sectional
study in which participants were evaluated at a single time point without
intervention or follow-up. METHODS: Forty-seven unilateral TFAs were measured for
standing limb length, pelvic innominate inclination (PII), lateral trunk flexion
and hip extension. RESULTS: Limb length discrepancy was present in 66% of
participants and 57% had a short prosthetic limb. PII was greater than has been
reported in the literature, and the shorter the prosthetic lower limb, the
greater the PII on the amputated side (r = -0.422, p = 0.004). Limb length
discrepancy and decreased lateral trunk flexion accounted for 26% of the variance
in amputated side PII. CONCLUSION: Three postural measurements, namely leg
length, pelvic innominate inclination and hip extension, were found to differ
between the intact and amputated limb in this study sample. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
Clinicians should include postural assessment as part of their routine evaluation
of TFAs in an effort to achieve postural symmetry and reduce the risk of chronic
conditions associated with impairment of body structure and function.

Langue : ANGLAIS