Development and evaluation of an anteriorly mounted microprocessor-controlled powered hip joint prosthesis.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Current hip disarticulation and hemipelvectomy prostheses lack powered hip joints, limiting gait improvement.
• Existing powered lower limb prostheses (knee, ankle) have enhanced mobility for amputees.
• There is a need for active hip joint solutions in prosthetic technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer and validate an anteriorly mounted powered hip joint prosthesis (PHP).
• To assess the mechanism, structural integrity, and overall design of the novel powered hip joint.
• To establish the feasibility of a powered hip solution for individuals with significant lower limb loss.

Main Methods:

• Development of a microprocessor-controlled powered hip joint prosthesis (PHP) with a cable-pulley system.
• Structural integrity assessment using stress calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Mechanical strength testing per ISO 15032:2000 standards and functional gait analysis with able-bodied participants.

Main Results:

• The powered hip joint prosthesis (PHP) prototype met strength criteria, withstanding 3360 N and supporting up to 98 kg.
• Functional tests demonstrated successful gait simulation in able-bodied individuals using the device.
• The prototype exhibited a range of motion of 22° extension and 145° flexion, but had anterior protrusion.

Conclusions:

• The microprocessor-controlled powered hip joint prosthesis (PHP) demonstrated robust mechanical strength and functional capabilities.
• The current design requires optimization to reduce its anterior protrusion, weight, and size.
• Future development will focus on refining the prosthesis and implementing advanced gait control systems.