A transfemoral amputee demonstrates circumduction of the prosthesis during swing phase. Which prosthetic fault is the most likely cause?

• A Socket fitted too loosely, causing pistoning
• B Knee friction set excessively high
• C Heel of the prosthetic foot too soft
• D Prosthesis made too long for the patient ✓

Explanation

An overly long prosthesis cannot clear the floor during swing, so the patient swings the limb in an outward arc (circumduction) or hikes the hip or vaults on the sound side to gain clearance. Excessive knee friction delays knee flexion and produces a stiff-kneed gait with lateral bending, not circumduction. Loose sockets cause instability and pistoning rather than clearance problems.

Reference: Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation, Chui et al., 4th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.