Abstract
The objective of this research was to assess the performance of an embedded sensing system designed to measure the distance between a prosthetic socket wall and residual limb. Low-profile inductive sensors were laminated into prosthetic sockets and flexible ferromagnetic targets were created from elastomeric liners with embedded iron particles for four participants with transtibial amputation. Using insights from sensor performance testing, a novel calibration procedure was developed to quickly and accurately calibrate the multiple embedded sensors. The sensing system was evaluated through laboratory tests in which participants wore sock combinations with three distinct thicknesses and conducted a series of activities including standing, walking, and sitting. When a thicker sock was worn, the limb typically moved further away from the socket and peak-to-peak displacements decreased. However, sensors did not measure equivalent distances or displacements for a given sock combination, which provided information regarding the fit of the socket and how a sock change intervention influenced socket fit. Monitoring of limb–socket displacements may serve as a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians to quantitatively assess socket fit.
Highlights
IntroductionMeasurements of relative displacements between the residual limb and prosthetic socket may be a valuable clinical tool in monitoring socket fit for people with transtibial amputation
Measurements of relative displacements between the residual limb and prosthetic socket may be a valuable clinical tool in monitoring socket fit for people with transtibial amputation. Both daily and long-term changes in residual limb volume and shape alter the coupling between the limb and socket, resulting in degradation of socket fit that manifests as relative motion between the residual limb and prosthetic socket [1,2]
At-home monitoring of limb–socket displacements may be used to convey to the prosthesis user that an accommodation is needed, and in doing so, prevent the negative consequences from a degraded socket fit
Summary
Measurements of relative displacements between the residual limb and prosthetic socket may be a valuable clinical tool in monitoring socket fit for people with transtibial amputation. Prosthesis users commonly adjust their prosthesis to accommodate changes in fit, through actions such as adding or removing socks to reduce socket size or temporarily doffing the prosthesis to allow limb fluid volume recovery. Such accommodation strategies require the prosthesis user to recognize when changes are needed through indications such as pain, skin breakdown, stumbling, or falls [3]. Providing practitioners with data on their patients’ socket fit and accommodation strategies may help practitioners better understand and inform their patients, or justify the need for prosthesis modifications or replacement
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
