Quantitative compensation design for prosthetic socket based on eigenvector algorithm method

Abstract

The incidence of lower limb amputation has increased in recent years. Prosthesis is the most important assistive device to compensate for limb defects in amputation patients and restore their abilities. The prosthetic socket is a key component connecting the residual limb and the prosthesis, with a direct effect on the function of the prosthesis and the patient’s comfort. As prosthetic socket design relies on the personal experience of prosthetists, this study explored an optimized prosthetic socket design method that combined the experiences of multiple prosthetists. The eigenvector algorithm was adopted to optimize the factors influencing prosthetic socket design and their quantitative compensations based on the design experience of prosthetists. Clinical assessments indicated that the proposed socket design method substantially improved fitting effects. This quantitative compensation design for prosthetic sockets will help overcome the limitations of traditional prosthetic socket design, which will be of great importance in improving the design accuracy and efficiency of prosthetic sockets.