If insufficient knee preflexion is present in a transtibial prosthesis, what corrective action should be taken?

When addressing insufficient knee preflexion in a transtibial prosthesis, increasing the flexion of the socket is the most appropriate corrective action.

Knee preflexion is essential for proper gait mechanics, particularly during the early stance phase when the weight is being loaded onto the prosthetic limb. Insufficient preflexion can lead to difficulties in achieving a smooth transition from loading to propulsion, potentially causing instability and compromise during ambulation.

By increasing the flexion of the socket, alignment is improved, which facilitates a more natural gait pattern. This increase allows for better accommodation of the user’s body dynamics, promoting effective weight bearing and enhancing overall balance and stability. Furthermore, it can help in ensuring that the knee does not extend too early during the gait cycle, thus aiding in a more coordinated movement.

Correctly adjusting the socket flexion to an optimal position can effectively address the biomechanical shortcomings that arise from insufficient knee preflexion and improve the overall function of the prosthesis.