Comparative Analysis of a Locally Fabricated SACH Foot and a Foreign SACH Foot

Background: The analysis of a locally fabricated SACH (Solid Ankle Cushion Heel) foot and a foreign SACH (Solid Ankle Cushion Heel) foot anchors on the performance of low-activity users and are of great interest to practitioners in amputee rehabilitation. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare these two prosthetic feet in terms of patient satisfaction, cardiovascular response and a few temporal gait parameters. Methods: For this purpose, a group of 10 hypomobile transtibial amputees (TTAs) had their usual foreign SACH foot replaced with a locally fabricated SACH foot, while also taking their cardiovascular response before and after the use of the foreign and locally fabricated SACH foot. Moreover, the patient satisfaction survey was performed using Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ). Results: Results showed that participants had maintained the same level of stability and perceived safety, while presenting a significant albeit slight improvement in some important clinical aspects such as weight and overall mobility, balance, general comfort, and the perceived satisfaction with their own prosthesis. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that a locally fabricated SACH foot represents a considerable alternative solution with respect to the foreign SACH foot in the prosthetic prescription for hypomobile transtibial amputees (TTAs).