Appropriate compression values for the transtibial prosthesis using the AERO prosthetic liner.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Comfortable transtibial prosthetic socket fitting relies on positive model rectification.
• Affordable ethylene-vinyl acetate roll-on (AERO) liners are used in prosthetic fittings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a 4% compression in 3-mm and 5-mm AERO liners provides adequate comfort and pressure distribution for users.
• To determine optimal compression values for different AERO liner thicknesses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized stump socks for volume adjustment during fitting with 4% socket compression.
• Collected pressure data using 6 force-sensing resistor (FSR400) sensors in sensitive and tolerant areas.
• Analyzed peak pressure, pressure uniformity (coefficient of variation), and socket comfort scores.

Main Results:

• Optimal compression was 4.95% for 3-mm liners and 4.5% for 5-mm liners.
• A slight similarity in pressure distribution was observed between liner thicknesses.
• The 5-mm liner potentially offered more even pressure distribution due to its thickness.

Conclusions:

• A universal 4% compression in AERO liners may be effective in clinical settings.
• Liner thickness influences pressure distribution despite identical material composition.
• Further research with more participants is needed to establish precise compression values for diverse residual limbs.