Fluctuating residual limb volume accommodated with an adjustable, modular socket design: A novel case report.

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Case report on a left transfemoral amputee with chronic patellofemoral instability and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
• CRPS recurrence post-amputation led to significant residual limb edema and extreme daily volume fluctuations.
• Conventional thermoplastic socket fitting was infeasible due to residual limb volume instability.

Observation:

• The patient experienced significant daily volume fluctuations in the residual limb.
• Conventional prosthetic socket fitting presented challenges due to edema and volume changes.
• CRPS symptoms complicated the prosthetic fitting process.

Findings:

• An adjustable, modular prosthetic socket design was successfully implemented.
• The modular socket effectively accommodated the dynamic volume changes of the residual limb.
• The patient achieved rehabilitation goals, wearing the prosthesis for 8 hours daily and walking unaided.

Implications:

• Adjustable, modular sockets offer a viable solution for transfemoral amputees with fluctuating residual limb volumes.
• This case highlights the importance of adaptable prosthetic designs in managing complex conditions like CRPS.
• Successful prosthetic fitting can be achieved despite challenges posed by residual limb volume instability.