Early effects of a microprocessor-controlled knee joint on functional mobility and user satisfaction in veterans with limb loss.

This article evaluates the effects of transitioning from monocentric to a polycentric microprocessor-controlled hydraulic knee joint (ALLUX™2 by Nabtesco Mobility Assist) on functional mobility and user satisfaction in ten adults with unilateral transfemoral or through-knee amputations due to trauma. The pilot before–after trial found a statistically significant improvement in descent-specific mobility on inclines, measured by the Hill Assessment Index, and a significant reduction in task duration, while other functional tests such as the Timed Up and Go and 6-Minute Walk Test showed nonsignificant trends toward improvement. User satisfaction and socket comfort improved moderately, though satisfaction changes did not reach statistical significance. The study highlights the potential benefits of polycentric knee joints for incline-related activities but notes limitations including small sample size, short adaptation period, and a high-functioning, all-male participant group, recommending larger, controlled trials with longer follow-up to confirm findings and support individualized prosthetic prescriptions.