Normal and shear stresses on a residual limb in a prosthetic socket during ambulation: comparison of finite element results with experimental measurements

Interface stresses on a below-knee amputee residual limb during the stance phase of gait calculated using an analytical finite element model were compared with experimental interface stress measurements. The model was quasi-static and linear. Qualitatively, shapes of analytical and experimental interface stress waveforms were similar in that they were double-peaked with some distinct features apparent. However, quantitatively analytical resultant shear stress magnitudes were less than experimental values at all transducer measurement sites. Analytical normal stresses were less than experimental values at postero-proximal, postero-distal, and anteromedial proximal sites, but were greater than experimental values at antero-lateral distal and antero-lateral proximal sites. Anterior resultant shear angles were directed more distally in the model than in clinical data, an expected result since there was no relief for the tibial crest in the model. Model sensitivity analyses to shank loads showed interface normal and resultant shear stresses were most sensitive to axial force, sagittal bending moment, or sagittal shear force. The finite element model presented in this paper is significant because it contributes toward development of an analytical modeling technique to predict interface stress distributions for proposed prosthetic designs, provides insight into physical explanations of features apparent in interface stress waveforms (thereby enhancing understanding of interface mechanics), and provides insight into nonlinear characteristics that need to be added to improve the model.