Abstract
Individuals with lower limb amputation need a secure suspension system for their prosthetic devices. A new coupling system was developed that is capable of suspending the prosthesis. The system's safety is ensured through an acoustic alarm system. This article explains how the system works and provides an in vivo evaluation of the device with regard to pistoning during walking. The system was designed to be used with silicone liners and is based on the requirements of prosthetic suspension systems. Mechanical testing was performed using a universal testing machine. The pistoning during walking was measured using a motion analysis system. The new coupling device produced significantly less pistoning compared to a common suspension system (pin/lock). The safety alarm system would buzz if the suspension was going to fail. The new coupling system could securely suspend the prostheses in transtibial amputees and produced less vertical movement than the pin/lock system.
Highlights
Individuals with lower limb amputation need a secure suspension system for their prosthetic devices
The new coupling system could securely suspend the prostheses in transtibial amputees and produced less vertical movement than the pin/lock system
Pin/lock and Seal-In liners are believed to be superior to other suspension methods as they cause the least pistoning inside the prosthetic socket; this is true of the Seal-In liner[9,10,11]
Summary
Individuals with lower limb amputation need a secure suspension system for their prosthetic devices. The new coupling system could securely suspend the prostheses in transtibial amputees and produced less vertical movement than the pin/lock system. Modern suspension systems are a combination of a roll-on silicone liner and either a pin lock system or a rubber seal. These systems have been proven to be successful in suspending above-knee and below-knee prostheses, amputees have reported some difficulties using them[6,7,8]. Pin/lock and Seal-In liners are believed to be superior to other suspension methods as they cause the least pistoning (vertical movement) inside the prosthetic socket; this is true of the Seal-In liner[9,10,11]. The researchers assumed that the new concept of suspension would effectively secure the prostheses to the amputees’ residual limbs and have a positive effect on the biomechanics of the prostheses
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