Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Gait Analysis Flashcards

The sartorius muscle is unique because it crosses which two joints?

Answer: Hip and knee

The sartorius is a biarticular muscle crossing both the hip and knee, functioning as a hip flexor/abductor and knee flexor.

In gait analysis, 'cadence' is defined as:

Answer: The number of steps taken per unit of time

Cadence is the number of steps (or strides) per minute and is a key temporal parameter of gait.

Which prosthetic foot feature is most beneficial for a transtibial amputee with a K3 activity level who frequently walks on uneven terrain?

Answer: Multiaxial dynamic response foot

A multiaxial dynamic response foot allows motion in multiple planes, improving stability and adaptability on uneven surfaces for active users.

The 'double support' phase of gait refers to the period when:

Answer: Both feet are simultaneously in contact with the ground

Double support occurs twice per gait cycle (at initial contact and pre-swing) when both feet are simultaneously on the ground.

Which bony landmark is most commonly used as the distal reference for measuring residual limb length in a transfemoral amputee?

Answer: Medial femoral condyle

The medial femoral condyle (or its equivalent in shorter residual limbs) serves as the standard distal reference point for transfemoral limb length measurement.

During the swing phase of gait, the primary role of the hip flexors is to:

Answer: Advance the limb forward through hip flexion

Hip flexors (primarily iliopsoas) contract concentrically during initial swing to accelerate and advance the limb forward.

Kyphosis of the thoracic spine can alter prosthetic gait by primarily causing:

Answer: Forward shift of the center of mass, requiring compensatory anterior socket tilt

Thoracic kyphosis shifts the center of mass anteriorly, which must be accommodated by prosthetic alignment and socket positioning.