Optimizing Care for the Above Knee Amputees Using Microprocessor Knees

Optimizing Care for the Above Knee Amputees using Microprocessor Controlled Knees: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Course Goals

To advance prosthetic care competencies among multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams treating patients with transfemoral and hip-level amputations. This advanced course emphasizes hands-on training and collaborative care strategies among physicians, therapists, and prosthetists.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Articulate team roles and responsibilities in prosthetic care.
2. Differentiate between prosthetic and medical performance issues and coordinate appropriate care.
3. Understand key research on safety, efficacy, and fall risk in above-knee amputees.
4. Demonstrate safe biomechanics and prosthetic alignment techniques.
5. Evaluate and apply decision criteria for MPK vs non-MPK selection.

Agenda/Curriculum

Part 1: Didactic Sessions

1. Introduction to Prosthetic Care (30 min)
2. Clinical Evaluation Training (60 min)
3. • Physician Evaluation
   • Therapy Approaches (Pre/Post-Amputation)
   • Acute Stage Care
4. Scientific Deep Dive (60 min )
5. • Fall Risk Mitigation
   • Performance Metrics
   • Long-Term Outcomes
6. Prescription Criteria & Design (30min)

Break for Lunch and Networking:

Part 2: Hands-On Laboratory Experience (120 min)

Topics will include:

• Fitting & Alignment
• Component Selection & Stability
• Biomechanics
• Outcomes Assessment

As part of this portion participants will develop hands on experience including helping with fit an alignment of multiple prosthetic knees using specialized trainers. They will be able to experience first-hand how each of the knees feel as they are able to fit them on each other under the supervision of physicians and experienced prosthetists.

Part 2 Didactic: Training & Long-Term Care, Debrief and Q&A (60 min)

• Therapy Program Development
• Gait Optimization
• Troubleshooting Prosthetic vs Human Factors

Primary Speakers

• Dr. Andreas Kannenberg, MD – Executive Medical Director, Head of Research, Ottobock
• Jared Howell, MS, CPO, LPO, FAAOP – Regional Clinical Manager, Ottobock Care