If the mechanical knee axis is located above the anatomical knee axis, what is the resultant pressure on the calf band?

When the mechanical knee axis is positioned above the anatomical knee axis, it results in a change in the line of action of the load applied to the prosthetic knee. This elevated mechanical axis influences how forces are distributed through the residual limb.

As the mechanical knee axis moves higher, the resultant force vector created by the alignment will tilt the pressure distribution more towards the anterior aspect of the calf band. This is due to the changes in the body's mechanics, where the center of gravity and resultant moment arms shift. The anterior positioning leads to greater pressure at that point to maintain stability and balance during ambulation.

This alignment inherently affects the way forces are transmitted through the prosthetic limb, contributing to a greater anterior pressure on the calf band as opposed to areas like the posterior, medial, or lateral aspects. Understanding this relationship helps in the design and fitting of prosthetics to ensure optimal comfort and function for the user.