Enabling Technology for Remote Prosthetic Alignment Tuning.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Effective prosthetic alignment is crucial for optimal gait and patient comfort.
• Subtle gait imbalances can be difficult to detect and correct using traditional methods.
• Existing alignment techniques may lack precision and objective feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Prosthesis Smart Alignment Tool (ProSAT) system for digitally controlled prosthetic alignment.
• To develop a system that utilizes machine learning for precise diagnosis and correction of prosthetic misalignments.
• To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of prosthetic alignment adjustments.

Main Methods:

• Developed a three-component system: a prosthesis-embedded sensor, an alignment tool, and an internet-connected expert system application.
• Utilized Bluetooth for communication between components.
• Employed machine learning algorithms to analyze kinetic data and calculate target alignments.
• Validated sensor accuracy against laboratory kinetic measurements and performed bench testing for tool performance.

Main Results:

• The ProSAT system enables numerically controlled adjustment of prosthetic alignment.
• The system can diagnose and guide correction of subtle, dynamic gait imbalances.
• Demonstrated achievement of target post-adjustment alignment changes within an average of 0.1°.
• Validated the accuracy of the prototype ProSAT system for controlled alignment changes.

Conclusions:

• The ProSAT system offers a novel approach to prosthetic alignment using digital numeric control and machine learning.
• The system has been validated for accuracy in controlled settings.
• Ongoing refinements focus on hardware ergonomics, software usability, and preparation for human subject testing.