Dynamic interface pressure distributions of two transtibial prosthetic socket concepts

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Biomechanics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Transtibial prosthetic socket design significantly impacts user comfort and residual limb health.
• Understanding dynamic interface pressure is crucial for optimizing prosthetic socket performance.
• Both pressure-cast and hand-cast socket designs are utilized in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the dynamic interface pressure distribution between hands-off and hands-on transtibial prosthetic socket systems.
• To evaluate the relationship between socket design, interface pressure, and user satisfaction.
• To assess the long-term usability of different prosthetic socket types.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pressure mapping with Tekscan F-Scan transducer arrays to measure dynamic interface pressures.
• Recruited 48 unilateral amputees using either pressure-cast (IceCast Compact) or hand-cast patellar tendon bearing sockets.
• Measured pressure profiles across over 90% of the prosthetic socket area in daily-use sockets (≥6 months).

Main Results:

• Dynamic pressure distribution was similar between hands-off and hands-on socket groups.
• Hands-off sockets exhibited significantly higher interface pressure magnitudes compared to hands-on sockets.
• Despite pressure differences, user satisfaction levels were comparable between the two socket concepts.

Conclusions:

• Socket prescription influences interface pressure magnitude but not necessarily overall user satisfaction.
• Both hands-off and hands-on transtibial prosthetic sockets can provide satisfactory outcomes with good residual limb health.
• Further research may explore strategies to mitigate higher pressures in hands-off designs.