A new directly moulded patellar-tendon-bearing socket

Area of Science:

• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Silicone rubbers and casting tapes have been used separately in prosthetic socket manufacturing.
• Previous methods lacked a directly molded socket with a fully integrated, variable-thickness silicone lining.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel directly molded below-knee prosthetic socket with a complete silicone rubber lining of variable thickness.
• To present a method for rapid prosthetic fitting using this new socket design.

Main Methods:

• Manufacturing a socket directly on the residual limb using a combination of Scotchflex outer layer and a silicone rubber lining.
• Utilizing removable Plastazote pads of variable thickness to create differential loading areas within the silicone lining.
• Employing a room-temperature setting liquid silicone rubber to fill voids left by the pads, creating a variable-thickness layer.

Main Results:

• The new socket allows for the fitting of an aligned below-knee prosthesis within three hours.
• The socket can be manufactured directly on the stump in approximately one hour with experienced personnel.
• The method does not require specialized equipment for fabrication.

Conclusions:

• The described prosthetic socket offers a rapid and efficient method for fitting below-knee prostheses.
• The variable-thickness silicone lining enhances comfort and load distribution for amputees.
• This innovative combination of materials and manufacturing technique represents a significant advancement in prosthetic socket design.