COMBINED EFFECT OF THERMAL LOAD AND MECHANICAL LOAD IN TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHESIS. AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Probably the most important factor in evaluating a patient's prosthesis is quality of life. Transtibial amputations, are among the most frequently performed major limb amputations. Many individuals with transtibial amputations successfully achieve rehabilitation at or near their preamputation levels. Discomfort in prosthetic sockets continues to be a critical challenge faced by both prosthetists and amputees.

This paper proposes a fusion Graphic User Interface that combines two types of information (pressure and temperature). Data from pressure sensors and thermistors (an electrical resistor whose resistance is greatly reduced by heating, used for measurement and control) placed on the stump in transtibial prosthetics are collected in real time using a National Instruments Data Acquisition device.

All the data stored in files are available for offline processing. The user has the possibility to analyse the signal by zooming or positioning the marker and window on different parts of signal. A complex analysis that involves the pressure and temperature for a location (where both sensors are placed) is available in time domain.

Blunt-prosthesis interface is characterized by few parameters among the most important are pressure and friction. The action of these parameters during static and dynamic stage is very important because their actions can produce lesions of skin at the level of interface. Despite the advancements in surgical techniques and prostheses, much still needs to be done. We made certain that the sensors were in the same location by pressing on specific cells on the residual limb during various stages of the experimentation. The highest pressures recorded were during the stance phase of walking. The curve that shows the temperature evolution or pressure in one point could differ in different points from patient to patient.