[Device to assess in-socket pressure distribution for partial foot amputation].

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Medical Device Development

Context:

• Patients with partial foot amputation often experience discomfort and skin issues due to prosthetic socket pressure.
• Accurate measurement of in-socket pressure distribution is crucial for prosthetic fitting and patient well-being.
• Existing methods may not provide dynamic and detailed pressure analysis.

Purpose:

• To introduce a novel device for dynamic acquisition and analysis of in-socket pressure distribution.
• To measure and compare pressure parameters (maximal pressure, pressure-time integral) between healthy subjects and patients with partial foot amputation.
• To identify critical pressure regions within prosthetic sockets.

Summary:

• The developed system dynamically measures in-socket pressure, generating distribution graphs, maximal pressure values, and pressure-time integrals (PTI).
• Study included three partial foot amputee patients and ten healthy subjects (Hs).
• Results showed distinct pressure distribution patterns between groups, highlighting areas of concern like surgical scars.

Impact:

• The system enables assessment of prosthetic load distribution effectiveness, crucial for preventing pressure ulcers.
• Findings contribute to understanding the relationship between stump pressure distribution and prosthesis comfort perception.
• Provides valuable data for optimizing prosthetic design and improving patient outcomes.