Assessment of Socket Pressure during Walking in Rapid Fit Prosthetic Sockets

Sensors (Basel). 2022 Jul 13;22(14):5224. doi: 10.3390/s22145224.

Abstract

(1) Background: A sustainable casting system that combines the use of a polystyrene bag, a prosthetic liner and a vacuum system was developed to reduce fabrication time while maintaining comfort for the trans-tibial prosthesis user. (2) Methods: Eight prosthetists (28.7 ± 8.25 years old) fit ten trans-tibial prosthesis wearers (46 ± 12.4 years old) with two types of total surface bearing (TSB) prostheses; a polystyrene bead (PS) prosthesis and a plaster of paris (POP) prosthesis. Duration of casting and combined mean peak pressure was measured at six locations on the residual limb using Force Sensing Resistors (FSR). A pressure uniformity score (%) was determined. Socket Comfort Scale (SCS) was also measured. (3) Results: Duration of casting for the POP method was 64.8 ± 9.53 min and 7.8 ± 2 min for the PS method, (p = 0.006). Pressure uniformity in the POP prosthesis was 79.3 ± 6.54 and 81.7 ± 5.83 in the PS prosthesis (p = 0.027). SCS in both prosthesis types were equivalent. (4) Conclusion: A rapid fit PS prosthesis was developed, with significantly shorter duration than the traditional POP method. Socket pressure uniformity was confirmed and improved in the PS method. Socket comfort was equal between the two prothesis types.

Keywords: amputee; lower limb prosthesis; outcome measure; polystyrene; pressure sensor; prosthetics.

MeSH terms

  • Amputation Stumps
  • Artificial Limbs*
  • Polystyrenes*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Tibia
  • Walking

Substances

  • Polystyrenes

Grants and funding

This research was provided funding from Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.