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Development of an integrated CAD-FEA process for below-knee prosthetic sockets
J C H Goh1, P V S Lee, S L Toh
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National University of Singapore, 10, Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore. dosgohj@nus.edu.sg
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|June 2, 2005
Summary
Finite element analysis integrated with CAD provides objective prosthetic socket fit assessment. This automated process predicts interface pressure, improving prosthetic fitting success.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Biomechanics
- Computational Engineering
Background:
- Computer-aided design (CAD) has been utilized in prosthetics since the 1980s, enhancing socket design reproducibility.
- Integrating finite element analysis (FEA) with CAD offers a more objective method for assessing prosthetic socket fit.
- FEA integration aims to improve the success rate of initial prosthetic fittings.
Observation:
- A novel technique was developed to generate FEA models directly from commercial prosthetic CAD software.
- An in-house program automates mesh generation, material property assignment, and load/boundary condition application for stump geometry.
- The FEA model's accuracy was validated by comparing predicted pressures with experimental measurements from an amputee subject.
Findings:
- The generated FEA model demonstrated a root-mean-square error of 8.8 kPa when compared to experimental pressure data.
- Predictions were validated across different phases of the gait cycle (10%, 25%, and 50%).
Implications:
- The developed method successfully creates FEA models for predicting prosthetic socket interface pressure.
- This automated FEA integration into CAD systems can provide prosthetists with crucial quantitative feedback.
- Enhanced feedback can lead to more informed design decisions and improved patient outcomes in prosthetic care.