Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

When addressing a problem of knee buckling in a patient with a transfemoral amputation, which muscle group should be the primary focus for strengthening?

1. Right quadriceps

2. Right hip flexors

3. Right hip extensors

4. Right hamstrings

The correct answer is: Right hip extensors

Focusing on strengthening the right hip extensors is crucial for a patient with a transfemoral amputation experiencing knee buckling. The hip extensors, primarily the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings, play a vital role in stabilizing the pelvis and maintaining a proper center of gravity during ambulation. Strengthening these muscles enhances the control and stability of the hip joint, which is essential for effective weight-bearing through the residual limb and preventing knee instability. In a transfemoral amputation, the alignment and strength of the hip extensors are directly linked to the functional performance of the prosthesis. If the hip extensors are weak, the patient may have difficulty controlling the knee joint, leading to further issues such as increased risk of falls or additional musculoskeletal problems. The other muscle groups mentioned are important, but they do not address the specific issue of knee buckling as effectively. The quadriceps are more engaged in knee extension but are not as pivotal in stabilizing the hip against forward motion. The hip flexors contribute to hip movement but are not primarily responsible for countering knee buckling. The hamstrings assist in stabilizing the pelvis, but they are not the main focus when addressing knee stability in the context of a transfem