What can contribute to an abducted gait in TF prosthetics?

An abducted gait in transfemoral (TF) prosthetics can arise from multiple factors, but the length of the prosthesis is crucial in this instance. When a prosthesis is too long, it influences the alignment of the residual limb and how it interacts with the ground during ambulation. This misalignment can lead to compensatory strategies, such as abducting the limb to clear the prosthetic foot when walking.

If the prosthesis is excessively long, the user may find it difficult to bring the foot forward in a straight line during the swing phase. Instead, they may adopt an abducted gait pattern to avoid hitting the ground with the foot, which results in wider spacing between the feet while walking. This compensatory mechanism can destabilize the gait, making it less efficient and increasing energy expenditure during ambulation.

While other factors like socket fit, heel height adjustment, or muscular strength do influence gait mechanics, the direct relationship between prosthesis length and the biomechanical alignment during walking makes the length of the prosthesis a primary contributor to an abducted gait.