Transtibial prosthesis suspension failure during skydiving freefall: a case report

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomechanics
• Extreme Sports Medicine

Background:

• Transtibial amputation presents unique challenges for participation in high-impact activities.
• Recreational skydiving involves significant aerodynamic forces and G-forces.
• Standard prosthesis suspension systems are not designed for extreme sport conditions.

Observation:

• An everyday transtibial prosthesis with pin-lock suction suspension and a knee sleeve failed during the freefall phase of a tandem skydive.
• The entire prosthesis detached from the residual limb within seconds of exiting the aircraft.
• The failure occurred due to potential issues with the suspension sleeve seal, material design, and lack of auxiliary or safety mechanisms.

Findings:

• The case highlights a novel failure mode for transtibial prosthesis suspension systems in an extreme environment.
• Inadequate sealing of the silicone liner and knee sleeve may have compromised suction.
• Lack of a safety cover for the push-button release mechanism could have contributed to accidental disengagement.

Implications:

• Amputees engaging in skydiving may require specialized prosthesis modifications for safety.
• Further research is needed to assess the performance of prosthetic components under extreme aerodynamic conditions.
• This case underscores the importance of considering environmental factors in prosthesis design and patient counseling for high-risk activities.