A biofidelic mock residual limb for prosthetic socket testing.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Accurate simulation of load transfer between residual limbs and prosthetic sockets is crucial for evaluating fit and function.
• Existing static mock limbs limit the assessment of adjustable socket technologies.
• Resource-intensive clinical trials are often required for prosthetic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a biofidelic mock limb capable of real-time, controllable volume adjustments (±5% limb volume).
• To create a cost-effective and customizable tool for prosthetic research.

Main Methods:

• Embedded water-filled bladders within a dual-durometer urethane transtibial residual limb model.
• Utilized an Arduino-controlled syringe system for actuating volume adjustments.
• Validated through repeatability tests quantifying interfacial pressures during volume changes.

Main Results:

• Fabricated limb using readily available materials for under CAD 400.
• Volume change rate minimally affected interfacial pressure; minimal hysteresis observed.
• Demonstrated high repeatability with normalized pressure variation below 10.4%.

Conclusions:

• Validated biofidelic mock limb effectively mimics transtibial residual limb volume changes.
• Design allows for easy replication and customization for various limb physiologies.
• Enables controllable bench-top testing for adjustable prosthetic devices, accelerating clinical use.