Prosthetics socket that incorporates an air splint system focusing on dynamic interface pressure.

Nasrul Anuar Razak,Sadeeq Ali,Noor Azuan Osman,Hossein Gholizadeh

doi:10.1186/1475-925x-13-108

Abstract

BackgroundThe interface pressure between the residual limb and prosthetic socket has a significant effect on an amputee’s satisfaction and comfort. This paper presents the design and performance of a new prosthetic socket that uses an air splint system.MethodsThe air splint prosthetic socket system was implemented by combining the air splint with a pressure sensor that the transhumeral user controls through the use of a microcontroller. The modular construction of the system developed allows the FSR pressure sensors that are placed inside the air splint socket to determine the required size and fitting for the socket used. Fifteen transhumeral amputees participated in the study.ResultsThe subject’s dynamic pressure on the socket that’s applied while wearing the air splint systems was recorded using F-socket transducers and microcontroller analysis. The values collected by the F-socket sensor for the air splint prosthetic socket system were determined accordingly by comparing the dynamic pressure applied using statically socket. The pressure volume of the air splint fluctuated and was recorded at an average of 38 kPa (2.5) to 41 kPa (1.3) over three hours.ConclusionThe air splint socket might reduce the pressure within the interface of residual limb. This is particularly important during the daily life activities and may reduce the pain and discomfort at the residual limb in comparison to the static socket. The potential development of an auto-adjusted socket that uses an air splint system as the prosthetic socket will be of interest to researchers involved in rehabilitation engineering, prosthetics and orthotics.

Highlights

The interface pressure between the residual limb and prosthetic socket has a significant effect on an amputee’s satisfaction and comfort
This paper presented the design and development of a new technique that uses the air splint system as a prosthetic socket replacement
The design size and measurement depends on the weight and size of each sensor, actuator and microcontroller that is incorporated in the prosthetic hand

Summary

Introduction

The interface pressure between the residual limb and prosthetic socket has a significant effect on an amputee’s satisfaction and comfort. This paper presents the design and performance of a new prosthetic socket that uses an air splint system. It is generally widely known and accepted between amputees and prosthetists that a poor socket fit will entail that the stump loses volume on a daily basis [1]. The method by which the socket is attached to the residual limb is extremely important [2]. The amputees may need to change the socket in response to changes in body weight or alterations to the structure of the residual limb [1,4,5]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion