Toward improving residual limb climate within prostheses for persons with lower limb loss: a technical note

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Traditional prosthetic liners and sockets are thermal insulators, trapping heat and moisture.
• This can lead to skin issues and reduced suspension, mobility, and quality of life for amputees.
• Improved residual limb climate (breathability, air permeability) is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the feasibility of an innovative prosthetic liner-socket system.
• To improve residual limb climate through passive ventilation.
• To enhance socket comfort for individuals with transtibial amputations.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team utilized focus group meetings and an iterative design approach.
• The study focused on developing a passively ventilated liner-socket system.
• Ex vivo design was employed to test the system's feasibility.

Main Results:

• Ex vivo design confirmed the feasibility of developing a passively ventilated liner-socket.
• The innovative system aims to reduce temperature and moisture in the residual limb socket.
• This approach has the potential to improve user comfort.

Conclusions:

• The developed passively ventilated liner-socket system is feasible.
• Further development and human subject testing are required for commercial viability.
• Clinical implementation could enhance residual limb health, comfort, and quality of life for amputees.