Biomechanics of Lower Limb Prosthetics

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvii

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2. Lower Limb Prosthesis

   • Mark R. Pitkin

   Pages 1-27

3. Biomechanical Investigations of Sound and Prosthetic Gait

   • Mark R. Pitkin

   Pages 29-38

4. Theory of Ballistic Gait in Prosthetics

   • Mark R. Pitkin

   Pages 39-70

5. Theory of Designing the Anthropomorphic Lower Limb Prostheses

   • Mark R. Pitkin

   Pages 71-102

6. Biomechanical Evaluation of Experimental Prostheses

   • Mark R. Pitkin

   Pages 103-122

7. Principle of Spectral Reciprocity in Biomechanics of Locomotion

   • Mark R. Pitkin

   Pages 123-129

8. Biomechanical Aspects of Direct Skeletal Attachment of Lower Limb Prostheses

   • Mark R. Pitkin

   Pages 131-139

9. Back Matter

   Pages 141-141

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Foreword from a Clinical Biomechanist, Applied Physiologist and Prosthetist teaching graduate students in Prosthetics & Orthotics. While there are many books on Biomechanics, arguably the quintessential science of limb prosthetics, none addresses the fundamental principles in sufficient detail and depth to be practically useful to the prosthetist, rehabilitation specialist or researcher. Dr. Pitkin’s monograph is an exemplary collection of theoretical principles from his research and o- ers, presented in its clinical and applied biomechanics form. The textbook provides an excellent overview of the many facets of lower limb prosthetic design and engineering for the ardent clinician researcher and student. The book delves into many of the basic concepts that are required knowledge for the clinician and the scientist to have as the foundation for their work. Dr. Pitkin has an e- quent manner in which he reflects on the history and literature to tell the storied evolution of prosthetic design . He takes the reader on a journey to consider his theories, which have substantive foundations to contemplate. By the end of chapter one, we have the basic h- tory and an appreciation for the rationale behind the “rolling joint ankle” with evidence to support his theoretical views.

• Monitor
• Rehabilitation
• amputation
• ankle
• artificial limb
• biomechanics
• compensatory gait
• gait comfort
• one-leg balancing
• rolling knee
• rehabilitation psychology

From the reviews:

“The textbook delivers an excellent overview of the various facets of lower limb prosthetic design and engineering. It can be useful to the professionals who develop the prostheses and who prescribe them. … The monograph by Professor Pitkin already has been and will be a must component of the curriculum in biomechanics, rehabilitation and prosthetics as an important source of ideas and methodology, especially for young devoted professionals.” (Konstantin Shcherbina, Prosthetics and Orthotics International, February, 2014)

“This book describes how biomechanical principles and theories can be applied to the development and testing of new prosthetic componentry. … clinicians will find that … the book helps them understand the basis of hypothesis testing and the various tools, including force plates, socket interface measurements, and computer models, available to researchers to evaluate prosthetic componentry and biomechanical ideas. … Researchers and students will find value in the experiences of the author in the development and testing of the rolling joint technology … .” (Laura A. Miller, Doody’s Review Service, January, 2011)

“Pitkin’s work serves as a foundation for designing and manufacturing contemporary lower limb prosthetics. … Biomechanics of Lower Limb Prosthetics is well written and easy to read, considering its heavy emphasis on biomechanical principles and theories. … the book does summarize current understanding of basic movement concepts, measurements, and challenges for future design and so should appeal to the academician and prosthetist and serve as an invaluable tool for prosthetic research.” (Brian M. Kelly, Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 304 (21), December, 2010)

• School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, USA

  Mark R. Pitkin

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