Proof of Concept for the Detection of Local Pressure Marks in Prosthesis Sockets Using Structural Dynamics...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Prosthetic wear comfort is crucial for amputees.
• Tissue volume fluctuations can alter the residual limb-prosthesis interface, causing pressure marks and discomfort.
• Current detection methods can negatively impact the sensitive residual limb-socket interface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a proof-of-concept for detecting local pressure marks in prosthetic sockets non-invasively.
• To demonstrate a method that avoids direct contact with the residual limb.
• To analyze the feasibility of using structural dynamics for identifying changes in the prosthetic socket interface.

Main Methods:

• Utilized structural dynamics measurements on a prosthetic socket test bench for transfemoral amputees.
• Analyzed the system's dynamic behavior using frequency response functions (FRFs).
• Employed an impact hammer for excitation and a triaxial acceleration sensor to capture dynamic responses under varying pressure conditions.

Main Results:

• Significant changes in frequency response functions were observed corresponding to different pressure locations and preloads.
• The study successfully demonstrated the identification of variations in local pressure marks.
• Results showed the method's capability to detect changes in both the position and magnitude of pressure variations.

Conclusions:

• Structural dynamics measurements offer a non-invasive approach to detect pressure marks in prosthetic sockets.
• This method can help ensure time-independent wear comfort for amputees by monitoring socket fit.
• The findings support the use of dynamic analysis for optimizing prosthetic socket design and patient-specific fitting.