What is the normal degree of stance flexion at heel strike for a prosthetic limb?

The normal degree of stance flexion at heel strike for a prosthetic limb typically falls within the range of 15-20 degrees. This amount of flexion is essential for several reasons. It allows for a smoother transition during the gait cycle, facilitating shock absorption upon heel strike and promoting stability. The flexion at the knee also contributes to ensuring that the forces acting on the limb are properly directed, which can help in enhancing balance and preventing the feeling of a "bouncing" gait.

Additionally, having this degree of stance flexion ensures that the body's weight is adequately distributed across the limb while standing and during ambulation. This plays a crucial role in mimicking natural biomechanics, which can improve the user’s confidence and overall mobility. Adequate stance flexion allows for better alignment of the prosthetic limb to the residual limb, which can enhance comfort and reduce the risk of complications such as skin irritation or pressure sores.

In contrast, options that suggest a lower or higher degree of flexion may not be ideal as they could compromise stability or comfort. For instance, a stance flexion of less than 15 degrees may not provide enough knee stability, while excessive flexion beyond 20 degrees could lead to increased energy expenditure and a less natural gait