Structural testing of lower-limb prosthetic sockets: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Lower-limb prosthetic sockets are critical interfaces for amputees, yet susceptible to mechanical failure, particularly with advanced fabrication techniques like 3D printing.
• Socket failures can lead to severe adverse outcomes for patients relying on prosthetic devices.
• Standardized mechanical testing methods are needed to ensure the safety and reliability of prosthetic sockets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing mechanical testing methods for lower-limb prosthetic sockets.
• To identify gaps and inform the development of widely accepted testing guidelines.
• To focus on structural integrity assessment of prosthetic sockets.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was performed, retrieving 729 records and including 16 relevant articles.
• The review focused exclusively on structural testing methods, excluding study results.
• Analysis concentrated on methods applicable to transtibial prosthetic sockets.

Main Results:

• All included studies focused on transtibial sockets; no methods for transfemoral sockets were identified.
• Thirteen studies adapted the ISO 10328 standard, simulating the toe-off phase of gait.
• Testing typically involved load levels for patients weighing 100-125 kg and often used rigid limb dummies.

Conclusions:

• ISO 10328 provides a foundational framework for prosthetic socket testing guidelines.
• Significant details require standardization, including clear definitions of anatomical landmarks and socket axes.
• Developing representative and repeatable testing methods necessitates agreement on these critical parameters.