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The patellar tendon bar! Is it a necessary feature?
N A Abu Osman1, W D Spence, S E Solomonidis
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. azuan@um.edu.my
Medical Engineering & Physics
|August 4, 2010
Summary
Altering the patellar tendon bar position had no significant effect on socket pressure distribution in trans-tibial amputees. This finding suggests the patellar tendon bar may be an unnecessary component in socket design.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Trans-tibial prosthetics aim to optimize stump-socket interface for comfort and function.
- Understanding pressure distribution is crucial for effective prosthetic socket design.
- The role of the patellar tendon bar in pressure management requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of varying patellar tendon bar load on pressure distribution at the stump-socket interface.
- To determine the significance of the patellar tendon bar's position in trans-tibial socket pressure patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized strain gauge and electrohydraulic technologies for pressure measurements.
- Developed and constructed specialized measuring systems.
- Employed a patellar tendon (PT) transducer attached to the socket's patellar tendon bar, allowing +/-10 mm translation.
Main Results:
- The position of the patellar tendon bar demonstrated no significant impact on the overall pressure distribution within the prosthetic socket.
- Analysis indicated that variations in PT bar position did not alter pressure patterns at the stump-socket interface.
Conclusions:
- The patellar tendon bar appears to be an unnecessary feature in the current trans-tibial socket design.
- Eliminating the patellar tendon bar during socket manufacture could potentially streamline the design and production process.
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