Pruziner, A. L., Werner, K. M., Copple, T. J., Hendershot, B. D., & Wolf, E. J. (2014). Does intact limb loading differ in servicemembers with traumatic lower limb loss?. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 472(10), 3068-3075.
The initiation and progression of knee and hip arthritis have been related to limb loading during ambulation. Although altered gait mechanics, with unilateral lower limb loss, often result in larger and more prolonged forces through the intact limb, how these forces differ with traumatic limb loss and duration of ambulation have not been well described. A retrospective review of all clinical and research gait evaluations performed in the biomechanics laboratory at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center between January 2008 and December 2012. Results showed that greater intact limb loading, in individuals with traumatic transtibial loss, were only noted early in the rehabilitation process, but these variables were present early and late in the rehabilitation process for those with transfemoral limb loss. These findings suggest an increased risk for early onset and progression of arthritis in the intact limb, especially in those with transfemoral limb loss.