Decision Table

Decision Table The goal of the Gait Analysis Improvement Team project is to design and develop an improved method to obtain quantitative measurements of the forces transmitted through below-knee prostheses. These measurements should be connected to suggested alignment changes that would improve the gait of a patient. In general, the design should provide a more scientific and cost effective procedure for the initial fitting of a prosthesis, including determination of the best alignment. Several alternatives for the design have been researched and ranked according to their adherence to the criteria described below. The intended end user of this design is a prosthetist working with an amputee in a clinical setting. Because amputees typically have more difficulty with balance than non-amputees, safety is a primary concern and a heavily-weighted criterion in the decision-making process. Any device that is incorporated into the fitting procedure must not compromise the safety of existing prostheses and related equipment. The next most important criterion is cost. The budget for this project is restricted to $1,200 and the device must also present an economical alternative to existing methods of computerized gait analysis. Additional cost guidelines were suggested by our technical consultant. The device should not exceed $150 if it is used fewer than five times. If it is used for more than five prosthesis fitting appointments, it may cost up to $500. These are rough estimates but should be considered when evaluating potential solutions. The design will not be successful unless it can be used along with existing (standard) prosthesis components, so compatibility is the third most important criterion. If force measurements are not consistent, accurate and precise, the project will fall short of the goals. Therefore measurement quality is ranked fourth among the working criteria. The final two criteria are durability and ease of use for the end-users (clinicians working with amputees). Ideally, the design will be able to withstand many uses rather than serve as one-time-use equipment. If it is not easy to install, operate and remove, it is not likely to appeal to a clinician in an average prosthetic facility. Design Alternatives The brainstorming session for this project resulted in five alternatives to be considered. The first alternative is the Smart Pyramid TM by Orthocare Innovations (Smart Pyramid, 2009). The Smart Pyramid TM replaces the standard pyramid in any socket and allows for computerized gait analysis with its embedded sensors. When the Compas TM …