Urgent: Resposes to AK bowler

Urgent: Resposes to AK bowler

Thanks to all for your responses. I've gotten a broad spectrum of very good
suggestions. I may have to post twice to get all the responses in. Following
is the original post.

I am working with a senior, right handed, left AK amputee who is an avid
bowler. He is doing fairly well with a Total Knee and Total Shock pylon
but wants to bowl better. He used to bowl 185-190 on average but since his
amputation bowls around 135 on a good day. He bowls two or three times a
week. He feels that if he had a knee that would lock in a flexed position or,
even better, limit flexion to an acceptable degree he would be able to safely
get lower to the floor and hence he would have more power and control. The
stance flexion feature of the Total Knee does not allow the degree of flexion
he is looking for. We have tried several knees including a weight activated
locking knee and he did not feel any were stable enough when flexed to the
point he needs. He has given up on walking through his throw and is currently
standing still to throw the ball.

I told him I would post a message on this LISTSERV to see if we receive any
suggestions that might help his game. I seem to remember seeing a manual lock
knee that would allow some flexion. I also wonder if anyone has ever modified
a knee for such a purpose? He feels we could design what he calls a delimiter
to attach to his knee (sort of like a brace for his prosthesis) to limit
flexion. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Eddie White, CP
Beacon Prosthetics and Orthotics
Raleigh NC

Following are the responses so far.

How about a simple strap passing over the front of the knee and adjusted
with a buckle. I would suggest a good strong strap of leather as it will
also give a little and provide some shock absorption when the limit of
flexion is reached.