Biomechanical design considerations for transradial prosthetic interface: A review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Traditional transradial prosthesis assessment often overlooks the prosthetic interface.
• Improved understanding of interface biomechanics can enhance prosthesis efficiency, safety, and user acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide design and selection criteria for transradial prosthetic interfaces for prosthetists and clinicians.
• To review transradial socket types and discuss biomechanical design principles.

Main Methods:

• Chronological review of transradial socket types in existing literature.
• Biomechanical analysis of prosthetic interface design from an engineering perspective.
• Consideration of suspension control, range of motion, stability, comfort, and safety.

Main Results:

• The human-machine interface design paradigm should shift from traditional 'socket design' to a comprehensive 'interface design'.
• Key aspects of prosthetic interface design include force/motion transfer, comfort, and safety, considering residual limb anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
• Load distribution and transmission should leverage skeletal control via targeted soft tissue relief.

Conclusions:

• Further study of residual limb soft tissue biomechanics is crucial to correlate mechanical properties with comfort and safety.
• A shift towards 'interface design' principles is necessary for improved transradial prosthesis outcomes.
• Integrating biomechanical insights into interface design can lead to more effective and accepted prosthetic solutions.