Innovative Tool Developed to Assess Performance of Bone-Anchored Prosthesis Users

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has announced the development of a groundbreaking tool designed to assess the performance of individuals using bone-anchored prostheses following lower limb amputations. This new evaluation method, referred to as the Colorado Limb Donning-Timed Up and Go (COLD-TUG) test, has been validated as an effective means for measuring both the time it takes to put on a prosthesis and the mobility of the user.

Recent research published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery emphasizes that bone-anchored limb (BAL) prostheses, which attach directly to the bone, allow for quicker donning compared to traditional socket-style prosthetics. The study's lead researcher, Dr. Mohamed Awad, noted that the primary objective was to establish the reliability and validity of the COLD-TUG test, which combines the time required for donning the prosthesis with the time taken to complete a mobility task.

Previous anecdotal evidence from patients indicated that BAL prostheses enhance physical activity, balance, comfort, and overall usability compared to standard socket prostheses. However, comprehensive performance-based assessments specifically tailored to this population were lacking, leading to a gap in understanding their impact on quality of life.

To address this gap, the CU Anschutz team utilized the COLD-TUG test, which was conceived by Dr. Jason Stoneback, an associate professor of orthopedics and orthopedic trauma surgeon at the institution. Dr. Stoneback stated that this assessment tool is not only straightforward but also crucial for evaluating the specific needs of patients opting for BAL systems.

The COLD-TUG test measures the time needed for a user to don their prosthesis, rise from a standard chair, walk approximately 10 feet, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down. In their study, the research team evaluated 31 patients who had undergone unilateral lower extremity amputations. Among these participants, 15 were equipped with traditional socket prostheses, while 16 utilized BAL prostheses.

The findings revealed that participants using BAL prostheses were able to don their devices significantly faster--by an average of 61 seconds--compared to those with socket-style prosthetics. This time-saving is particularly noteworthy, as individuals with prostheses may need to don and doff them multiple times throughout the day. According to Dr. Awad, the cumulative time saved can amount to hours over weeks and months, enabling users to engage more actively in daily life.

Furthermore, the results of the COLD-TUG test appear to validate patient testimonials regarding the increased mobility, stability, and balance associated with BAL prostheses. Dr. Stoneback highlighted the importance of this tool in quantifying the experiences of amputees, allowing healthcare professionals to guide their patients towards the most suitable options for their lifestyles.

As the demand for bone-anchored prosthetic options continues to rise, the introduction of the COLD-TUG test represents a significant advancement in the field, providing healthcare providers with a reliable method for measuring functional outcomes in this specific patient population.