A pneumatic reconfigurable socket for transtibial amputees.

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Socket fit is crucial for transtibial amputee satisfaction with prosthetic use.
• Residual limb volume fluctuations and pressure on sensitive areas significantly impact socket fit.
• Current prosthetic sockets often struggle to adapt to these dynamic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a reconfigurable prosthetic socket for transtibial amputees.
• To address critical factors of socket fit: pressure distribution and volume compensation.
• To enhance user satisfaction through improved prosthetic socket design.

Main Methods:

• Utilized computed tomography (CT) scans to create a 3D phantom limb model.
• Manufactured a reconfigurable prosthetic socket based on the phantom limb data.
• Performed experimental testing and finite element modeling (FEM) for performance evaluation.

Main Results:

• The reconfigurable socket effectively shifts pressure away from sensitive areas.
• Demonstrated compensation for residual limb volume fluctuations.
• Achieved up to a 61% reduction in interface pressure at targeted areas.

Conclusions:

• The reconfigurable prosthetic socket offers a significant improvement in fit and comfort for transtibial amputees.
• This technology has the potential to increase satisfaction and functionality for prosthesis users.
• The study validates the effectiveness of reconfigurable socket technology in addressing key challenges in prosthetic use.