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Stump/socket pressure profiles of the pressure cast prosthetic socket
J C H Goh1, P V S Lee, S Y Chong
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074, Singapore. dosgohj@nus.edu.sg
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|March 7, 2003
Summary
Pressure casting for prosthetic sockets offers comfortable fits, but the study found no evidence of a hydrostatic pressure profile during standing or walking. This challenges conventional theories of socket pressure distribution.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Prosthetics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedic Technology
Background:
- Conventional prosthetic socket design often assumes pressure distribution correlates with tissue pain thresholds.
- The pressure casting system aims to create equally distributed stump/socket interface pressure, challenging traditional beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the stump/socket interface pressure in transtibial amputees using a socket fabricated via a pressure casting system.
- To assess the pressure distribution during standing and walking activities.
Main Methods:
- Five unilateral transtibial amputees participated in the study.
- Sockets were fabricated using a pressure casting system with pressure applied in a chamber.
- A specialized strain-gauged pressure transducer measured pressure distribution simultaneously with gait parameters during standing and walking.
Main Results:
- The pressure cast sockets provided comfortable fits for the amputees.
- A distinct hydrostatic pressure profile was not observed during standing or gait.
- No standardized pressure profile was evident for the pressure cast sockets without post-fabrication adjustments.
Conclusions:
- The pressure casting technique can yield comfortable prosthetic sockets.
- The study did not support the hypothesis of a hydrostatic pressure profile in these sockets during functional activities.
- Further research is needed to reconcile the observed pressure profiles with existing theories of socket design and hydrostatic principles.