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July 2005 • Vol. 1, No. 2
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Advancing Orthotic and Prosthetic
Care Through Knowledge
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In 1951, New York University identified eight major gait deviations commonly seen in
the person with a transfemoral amputation. Seven years later, Northwestern University,
under a federal grant, expanded upon the previous work by producing an excellent
film on the subject. Due to developments in componentry and a steadily growing
knowledge base, for years prosthetic educators have felt the need to update the excellent
work of these schools.
“Transfemoral Gait Deviations” is a breakthrough educational film describing, with
images and narration, the major pathological and compensatory gait mechanisms in
individuals with a transfemoral amputation. The video was written and produced by the
preceptors, residents and staff of the National Veterans Administration Prosthetics Gait Lab
in Long Beach, California. A 20-question quiz prepared specifically for Academy members
assists the viewer in focusing on salient points.
Terminology of gait as defined by Jacquelin Perry, MD, helps the viewer understand the
functional tasks and phases of normal gait, later contrasted with transfemoral gait. Basic
kinematic and kinetic data are presented and principles of gait explained through both film
and animation. The video and exam will be available July 1 on this website.
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