What can excessive internal rotation of the knee bolt cause in TF prosthetics?

Excessive internal rotation of the knee bolt in transfemoral (TF) prosthetics can indeed lead to excessive lateral whip. This phenomenon occurs as the knee component's orientation affects the alignment and motion of the entire prosthetic leg during the swing phase of gait. When the knee is internally rotated beyond normal parameters, it can cause the residual limb to swing laterally, resulting in a whipping motion as the foot travels forward.

This lateral whip not only presents mechanical challenges but can also lead to discomfort for the user, as they experience an abnormal gait pattern. The implication of this dysfunction emphasizes the need for precise alignment and adjustment of the knee bolt to enhance the stability and efficiency of the prosthetic limb while walking or running. Ensuring that the knee bolt is properly oriented can help mitigate the occurrence of such undesired gait characteristics.