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Effect of alignment perturbations in a trans-tibial prosthesis user: A pilot study
Anna Courtney1, Michael S Orendurff, Arjan Buis
1Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|March 18, 2016
Summary
Poor socket fit in trans-tibial prosthetics causes pain due to excess pressure. Optimal alignment is crucial, as a 10 mm error can increase peak pressures by 227%, highlighting the need for precise prosthetic socket alignment.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Biomechanics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Poor socket fit is a common complication for trans-tibial prosthetic users, leading to painful residuum-socket interfaces.
- Excessive pressure at the interface results from inadequate socket fit and alignment, with their interaction previously unquantified.
Observation:
- Interface pressures were measured during ambulation in a single user across optimal and five malaligned socket conditions.
- Both patellar tendon-bearing and hydrocast sockets were evaluated to compare pressure distributions and sensitivity to alignment changes.
Findings:
- Significant differences in pressure distribution were observed between socket types and alignment conditions.
- Patellar tendon-bearing sockets demonstrated higher sensitivity to alignment perturbations compared to hydrocast sockets.
- A 10 mm translational alignment error was found to increase maximum peak pressures by 227% (mean 17.5%), underscoring the critical need for optimal alignment.
Implications:
- Quantifying the interaction between socket design, alignment, and interface pressures can refine future prosthetic research.
- Establishing optimal socket design, fitting, and alignment strategies can maximize mobility while minimizing injurious forces for prosthetic users.
