Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The alignment of the socket in excessive flexion is a significant factor that can lead to early knee flexion during the midstance through preswing phases for individuals with a transtibial amputation. When the socket is positioned too far forward in relation to the foot, it can create a mechanical disadvantage that encourages the knee to flex prematurely as the individual begins to transition their weight forward. This atypical gait pattern can contribute to instability and an inefficient walking style, as the prosthesis is not functioning optimally due to its alignment.

In contrast, if a prosthetic foot is too dorsiflexed or if the patient lacks hip extension strength, these conditions may lead to different gait compensations rather than early knee flexion. A locked knee mechanism would prevent any knee motion altogether rather than causing early flexion. Therefore, socket alignment plays a crucial role in optimizing the gait mechanics and overall function of a transtibial prosthesis, making it an essential consideration in rehabilitation and prosthetic fitting.