Preliminary experiences with the CIR casting system for transtibial prosthetic sockets

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Traditional sand-casting for transtibial sockets improved fitting over plaster but required multiple stump socks.
• Previous methods necessitated air compressors for fluidizing silica sand, complicating the casting process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel casting technique using micro polystyrene beads for transtibial sockets.
• To compare the efficacy of the new "CIR casting technique" against the established sand-casting method.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involved 10 transtibial amputees undergoing socket casting with the new micro polystyrene bead technique.
• The same prosthetist performed both the new CIR casting and the former sand-casting technique on the same patients for comparison.
• Measurements of the positive model's circumference were recorded for both techniques.

Main Results:

• The new CIR casting technique achieved a good fit in 8 out of 10 cases, an improvement over the 19 out of 28 success rate with sand-casting.
• A statistically significant reduction in positive model circumference measurements was observed with the micro polystyrene bead technique compared to sand-casting.
• The new technique eliminated the need for air compressors and fluidization of sand.

Conclusions:

• The micro polystyrene bead casting technique represents a significant advancement in transtibial socket fabrication.
• This simplified and improved method offers enhanced prosthetic fitting for amputees.
• Further research and application of this technique are warranted for broader clinical adoption.