A 78-year-old woman with peripheral vascular disease undergoes a transfemoral amputation. She has poor balance, weak arms, and expects to walk only a few steps indoors with supervision. Which prosthetic knee unit is most appropriate for her?

• A Manual locking knee ✓
• B Microprocessor-controlled knee
• C Hydraulic swing phase control knee
• D Fluid-controlled stance and swing phase knee

Explanation

C manually locked knee stays fixed throughout gait and gives maximal stance stability, which suits a frail, low-demand, low-mobility user despite the stiff-legged gait it produces. Hydraulic and fluid-controlled knees require good balance and voluntary control, and microprocessor knees suit active K3-level walkers. Prescribing a sophisticated knee to a K0 or K1 patient risks falls and wasted resources, making A the safest functional choice here.

Reference: Maheshwari's Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.