This seminar provides physical therapists and other healthcare workers with an overview the individual with lower extremity limb loss, normal and pathological gait mechanics, and microprocessor knees. This information is discussed with an emphasis on the clinical aspects of physical therapy. This includes specific elements of evaluation such as posture and gait and relevant interventions for the individual with limb loss to optimize safety and mobility. In addition, this course will review the design and function of microprocessor knees and teach the therapist to optimize its use with the patient.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• At the conclusion of this program, the learner will be able to independently:
• Name two functional differences between mechanical knees and microprocessor knees.
• List two performance-based outcome measures that can assist the therapist with assigning a patient’s Medicare K Level.
• Identify the three subjective criteria used by Medicare to determine a patient’s Medicare K Level.
• Create a therapeutic exercise program to address impairments of an individual with transfemoral amputation, when provided with the results of a complete evaluation.
• Differentiate between patient-based gait deviations and prosthetic gait deviations of an individual with a transfemoral amputation based on level-ground walking.

Instructor:

Chris Doerger PT, CP

Chris is a certified prosthetist and physical therapist. She attended the University of Miami where she received her master’s degree in PT. Following a few years of clinical practice, she returned to school at Northwestern University where she completed her certificate in prosthetics. Chris is an ABC certified prosthetist and licensed in the state of Florida. Her areas of interest include biomechanics, gait training, and CAD CAM technology. In addition to her duties at Ottobock, she teaches in the physical therapy program at the University of Central Florida, serves as a track and field classifier for U.S. Paralympics, and volunteers with the ABC Prosthetics Exam Committee.

Instructional Method: Lecture and discussions

Target Audience: Physical therapists and assistants

CREDITS:

• Approved by New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (#2312-12)

Questions:

If you have any questions, please contact the Ottobock Education Team at [email protected] or call 800-328-4058.