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Relaxed versus activated stump muscles during casting for trans-tibial prostheses
M Lilja1, S Johansson, T Oberg
1Department of Biomechanics and Orthopaedic Technology, University College of Health Sciences, Jönköping, Sweden.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
|June 4, 1999
Summary
Muscle contraction significantly alters amputation stump volume. These volume changes impact prosthetic fitting and socket design, requiring prosthetists to consider stump condition during casting for optimal limb replacement.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Prosthetic fitting requires accurate stump casting.
- Muscle contraction can alter stump volume, potentially affecting prosthetic fit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the volume difference between contracted and non-contracted trans-tibial amputation stumps.
- To assess the impact of these volume differences on prosthetic socket fitting.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle contraction levels in 16 trans-tibial amputees.
- The CAPOD laser scanning system determined stump volume with and without a silicone liner.
- Stump volumes were compared to prosthetic socket volumes.
Main Results:
- Stump volume increased significantly with muscle contraction (5.8% without liner, 3.5% with liner).
- No statistically significant volume difference was found between the prosthetic socket and the stump (with liner).
- Observed volume changes are substantial enough to influence prosthetic fitting.
Conclusions:
- Muscle contraction causes significant volume changes in trans-tibial amputation stumps.
- Prosthetists must account for stump volume variations due to muscle contraction when creating casts for prosthetic sockets.
- Consideration of stump volume differences can improve prosthetic coupling and overall fit.