Transfemoral Socket Fabrication Method Using Direct Casting: Outcomes Regarding Patient Satisfaction with Device and...

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Direct Socket for transfemoral (DS-TF) is a novel interface fabrication method.
• Requires new training and service models for prosthetists.
• Potential to improve patient satisfaction through single-visit fabrication and delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document patient satisfaction with DS-TF interfaces compared to previous sockets.
• To evaluate satisfaction regarding interface function and clinic service model.
• To assess outcomes of a new prosthetic interface fabrication method.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study in six US prosthetic clinics (July 2018-April 2020).
• 47 prosthetic users participated, receiving DS-TF interfaces.
• Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey (OPUS) assessed satisfaction with device and services.

Main Results:

• DS-TF interfaces fabricated, fitted, and delivered in a single visit.
• At 6 months, 38 users reported increased satisfaction (29.8% device, 14.8% services).
• Improvements were consistent and maintained from 6 weeks to 6 months post-fitting.

Conclusions:

• Standardized DS-TF training and implementation improve prosthetic device satisfaction.
• The DS-TF process enhances patient satisfaction with both the prosthetic device and associated services.
• Single-visit fabrication and delivery contribute to improved user outcomes.