Transtibial Socket Research Articles

Methodology of CAD design and CAM production of transtibial prosthetic sockets

The digitization of the design process of lower limb prosthetic sockets seems to be necessary. Using modern CAD procedures and CAM technologies, it is possible to produce functional, individual prosthetic aids that bring many benefits compared to commonly used methods. However, the disadvantage of using CAD/CAM procedures can be the input costs for production technology and software. The aim of this research is to propose a low-cost solution for individual transtibial socket design and production. Modern methods and technologies like 3D scanning, CAD design and additive manufacturing have been applied. As a result, a transtibial stump positive and custom socket design methodology is proposed. In conclusions a total value of a custom transtibial socket design and production was calculated.

Design Evaluation of FFF-Printed Transtibial Prosthetic Sockets Using Follow-Up and Finite Element Analysis

Background: Participants in Sierra Leone received a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)-printed transtibial prosthetic socket. Follow-up was conducted on this group over a period of 21 months. To investigate the failure of some of the FFF-printed transtibial sockets, further strength investigation is desired. Methods: A finite element (FE) analysis provided an extensive overview of the strength of the socket. Using follow-up data and FE analyses, weak spots were identified, and the required optimization/reinforcement of the socket wall was determined. Results: Five sockets with a 4 mm wall thickness were tested by five participants. The strength of the 4 mm prosthetic socket seemed to be sufficient for people with limited activity. The 4 mm sockets used by active participants failed at the patella tendon or popliteal area. One socket with a wall thickness of 6 mm was used by an active user and remained intact after one year of use. An FE analysis of the socket showed high stresses in the patella tendon area. An increased wall thickness of 7 mm leads to a decrease of 26% in the stress corresponding to the observed failure in the patella tendon area, compared to the 4 mm socket. Conclusions: Follow-up in combination with an FE analysis can provide insight into the strength of the transtibial socket. In future designs, both the patella tendon and popliteal area will be reinforced by a thickened trim line of 7 mm. A design with a thickened trimline of 7 mm is expected to be sufficiently strong for active users. Another follow-up study will be performed to confirm this.

The Use of Smartphone Photogrammetry to Digitise Transtibial Sockets: Optimisation of Method and Quantitative Evaluation of Suitability.

The fit of a lower limb prosthetic socket is critical for user comfort and the quality of life of lower limb amputees. Sockets are conventionally produced using hand-crafted patient-based casting techniques. Modern digital techniques offer a host of advantages to the process and ultimately lead to improving the lives of amputees. However, commercially available scanning equipment required is often expensive and proprietary. Smartphone photogrammetry could offer a low cost alternative, but there is no widely accepted imaging technique for prosthetic socket digitisation. Therefore, this paper aims to determine an optimal imaging technique for whole socket photogrammetry and evaluate the resultant scan measurement accuracy. A 3D printed transtibial socket was produced to create digital and physical twins, as reference models. The printed socket was photographed from 360 positions and simplified genetic algorithms were used to design a series of experiments, whereby a collection of photos were processed using Autodesk ReCap. The most fit technique was used to assess accuracy. The accuracy of the socket wall volume, surface area and height were 61.63%, 99.61% and 99.90%, respectively, when compared to the digital reference model. The scanned model had a wall thickness ranging from 2.075 mm at the top to 7.758 mm towards the base of the socket, compared to a consistent thickness of 2.025 mm in the control model. The technique selected did not show sufficient accuracy for clinical application due to the degradation of accuracy nearer to the base of the socket interior. However, using an internal wall thickness estimation, scans may be of sufficient accuracy for clinical use; assuming a uniform wall thickness.

Scoping review to evaluate existing measurement parameters and clinical outcomes of transtibial prosthetic alignment and socket fit.

Fit and alignment are observable objectives of the prosthesis rendering process for individuals with lower limb amputation. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of validated measures to directly assess the quality of this clinical procedure. The objectives of this scoping review are to evaluate existing measurement parameters and clinical outcomes used in investigations of transtibial socket fit or prosthetic alignment and to identify gaps in the literature regarding tools for evaluation of prosthetic fitting. Scoping literature review. A comprehensive search was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase (through Elsevier), Scopus (through Elsevier), and Engineering Village (through Elsevier), resulting in 6107 studies to be screened. Sixty-three studies were included in the review. When measuring fit, studies most frequently reported on patient-reported comfort (n = 22) and socket size compared with the residual limb volume (n = 9). Alignment was most frequently measured by the prosthetists' judgment and/or use of an alignment jig (n = 34). The measurement parameters used to determine alignment or fit varied greatly among the included studies. This review demonstrated that most measures of socket fit rely on a patient's self-report and may vary with biopsychosocial factors unrelated to the socket fitting process. Meanwhile, alignment is determined mostly by the prosthetist's judgment, paired with objective measurements, such as alignment jigs and gait analysis. Efforts to standardize and validate measures of these parameters of prosthetic fitting are vital to improving clinical practice and reporting outcomes.

A sensor to monitor limb depth in transtibial sockets with locking pin suspension: a technical note.

Monitoring of limb depth in transtibial sockets may provide useful information toward patient education and care. The objective was to develop a sensor to detect the depth of a locking pin in the shuttle lock of a transtibial socket and to monitor the small motions between ratchet clicks during ambulation. Controlled bench testing and single-participant study. A copper wire coil positioned beneath the socket shuttle lock was used with an inductive sensing chip to monitor locking pin depth. A custom jig was used to calibrate the sensor and bench test the system. Repeatability, drift, and the effects of pin length, carbon fiber presence, temperature change, and pin angulation on sensor performance were tested. Testing was conducted on a participant wearing an adjustable socket, walking with the panels at four different radial positions. The sensor demonstrated a root mean square error of 0.21% of the full-scale output. Different pins, different pin lengths, and the presence of carbon fiber affected calibration, indicating that the sensor must be calibrated to the individual user's socket and pin. Ratchet clicks and cyclic motion between clicks during walking were evident in the data. During participant testing, enlarging the socket at 1.00 mm radial increments caused significant changes in pin peak-to-peak distance (up and down motion) within a step. The sensor is sufficiently accurate to pursue studies investigating utility of the data toward clinical monitoring of socket fit.

Mechanical behavior of a lower limb prosthetic socket made of natural fiber reinforced composite

Transtibial sockets are commonly made of composites reinforced with expensive synthetic fibers such as carbon or glass fibers. It would be very beneficial to replace conventional fibers with the natural ones produced locally using an abundant wild plant like alfa (Stipa tenacissima) fiber that is economically sustainable and environmentally friendly. This work is aimed at studying the static and dynamic behavior of transtibial sockets produced from alfa and carbon fibers. The ultimate strength obtained during the static test on the carbon fiber socket and the alfa fiber socket is 3,400 and 2,900 N, respectively. Fatigue testing on the alfa fiber socket yielded a fatigue life of about 2,325,000 cycles. Locally produced alfa fibers could be used as reinforcement of composite materials in orthopedic applications such as transtibial sockets. This could make prosthesis more affordable and serve as basis for design of new standard sockets as a result of fatigue and strength data. Further mechanical viability study should be performed to ensure the feasibility of using alfa fibers in sockets.

Multi-scale semi-analytical model for fatigue life prediction of trans-tibial prosthetic sockets.

The trans-tibial socket is an essential component of the prosthesis that connects it to the residual limb. Socket misalignments and permanent deformations reduce the comfort of the amputee. In order to forestall such issues, sufficient information about the socket lifespan needs to be acquired, which is fairly difficult given the lack of calculation methods that estimate the fatigue life in the literature. In this paper a semi-analytical model is proposed based on experimental results. It highlights the effects of the amputee average daily walking time on the socket fatigue life. A proportionality relationship is demonstrated linking the Burgers model parameters at the structural scale to those at the macroscopic scale. Hence, it becomes possible to evaluate the permanent deformation that induces a misalignment in the socket. These results are useful for the designers to predict the fatigue life of the socket, and also for clinicians to monitor the mechanical degradation of the trans-tibial socket and schedule maintenance or replacement.

Leveraging Digital Technology to Overcome Barriers in the Prosthetic and Orthotic Industry: Evaluation of its Applicability and Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BackgroundThe prosthetic and orthotic industry typically provides an artisan “hands-on” approach to the assessment and fitting of orthopedic devices. Despite growing interest in digital technology for prosthetic and orthotic service provision, little is known of the quantum of use and the extent to which the current pandemic has accelerated the adoption.ObjectiveThis study’s aim is to assess the use of digital technology in prosthetics and orthotics, and whether its use can help overcome challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA web-based survey of working prosthetists, orthotists, and lower limb patients was conducted between June and July 2020 and divided into three sections: lower limb amputees, prosthetist and orthotist (P&O) currently using digital technologies in their practice, and P&O not using any digital technology. Input was sought from industry and academia experts for the development of the survey. Descriptive analyses were performed for both qualitative (open-ended questions) and quantitative data.ResultsIn total, 113 individuals responded to the web-based survey. There were 83 surveys included in the analysis (patients: n=13, 15%; prosthetists and orthotists: n=70, 85%). There were 30 surveys excluded because less than 10% of the questions were answered. Out of 70 P&Os, 31 (44%) used digital technologies. Three dimensional scanning and digital imaging were the leading technologies being used (27/31, 88%), primarily for footwear (18/31, 58%), ankle-foot orthoses, and transtibial and transfemoral sockets (14/31, 45%). Digital technology enables safer care during COVID-19 with 24 out of 31 (77%) respondents stating it improves patient outcomes. Singapore was significantly less certain that the industry's future is digital (P=.04). The use of virtual care was reported by the P&O to be beneficial for consultations, education, patient monitoring, or triaging purposes. However, the technology could not overcome inherent barriers such as the lack of details normally obtained during a physical assessment.ConclusionsDigital technology is transforming health care. The current pandemic highlights its usefulness in providing safer care, but digital technology must be implemented thoughtfully and designed to address issues that are barriers to current adoption. Technology advancements using virtual platforms, digitalization methods, and improved connectivity will continue to change the future of health care delivery. The prosthetic and orthotic industry should keep an open mind and move toward creating the required infrastructure to support this digital transformation, even if the world returns to pre–COVID-19 days.

3D-printed polypropylene transtibial sockets: Mechanical behavior

This paper defines the tensile properties of a successfully worn 3D-printed transtibial socket. The socket was printed from a proprietary polypropylene filament and FDM 3D-printing process. Fused disposition modeling involves producing successive cross-sectional layers on top of one another and welding them together. Because of this, a notch is formed between the printed layers. As part of this investigation, tensile test specimens were die-cut perpendicular to the material direction and tested according to ASTM D638—Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics. From the measured load–elongation data, stress–strain curves and the corresponding material properties were determined, including modulus of elasticity E, Poisson’s ratio ν, yield strength Sy, and ultimate strength Su. The average values for each of these material properties were 955 MPa, 0.35, 11.4 MPa, and 16.3 MPa, respectively. In addition to defining tensile properties, this work demonstrated a viable methodology for characterizing the as-built material behavior of 3D-printed sockets.

The SÖderberg Socket 2.0: A Technical Note.

Transtibial prosthesis socket trim lines have remained fairly consistent over the past decade, and based on methods such as a supracondylar cuff suspension. However, with vacuum suspension methods, trim lines can change. An objective of this technical note was to inform practitioners how to fabricate a socket in a better way. A step-by-step fabrication guide is provided for the prosthetist. A unilateral transtibial amputee was selected for this technical note. We provide a detailed description of the different steps of fabrication as well as patient feedback. The fabrication involved fabrication of a vacuum socket using Pre-preg carbon fiber and anti-bacterial Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate (EVA), as a proximal flexible brim. The properties of EVA and Pre-preg carbon fiber allow for fabrication of a transtibial socket with a flexible proximal brim. The new design resulted in greater comfort and increased range of motion in the patient studied. The patient subjectively noted enhanced squatting and cycling capabilities while using the updated socket and flexible proximal brim. This technical note presented a fabrication guide for a new style of socket and preliminary patient feedback. Clinical studies evaluating functional and biomechanical effects of this new socket design are needed.

Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Strength: The Use of ISO 10328 in the Comparison of Standard and 3D-Printed Sockets

ABSTRACT Introduction Prosthetic sockets must withstand instances of maximum loading without failure. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the strength at failure and the failure mechanism for 3D-printed transtibial sockets, thermoplastic transtibial check sockets, and carbon-fiber definitive laminated transtibial sockets. Materials and Methods Three clinically available materials (carbon fiber, PETG thermoplastic, and 3D print polylactic acid [PLA]) were used to produce identically shaped sockets. In final assembly, the carbon-fiber sockets were designed for use both with and without a pin-lock system. Thermoplastic sockets and 3D-printed sockets were designed for use without a pin-lock system. These socket systems were then tested following International Standards Organization (ISO) 10328. Ultimate strength (US) at failure, maximum deflection at failure, and failure mechanism were determined. Results Both designs of carbon-fiber sockets had higher US values at failure than thermoplastic sockets and 3D-printed PLA sockets. Thermoplastic sockets had a slightly higher average US than 3D-printed sockets, but 3D-printed sockets exhibited a greater strength-to-weight ratio. Four distinct socket failure mechanisms were determined. Conclusions Failure mechanisms and US values differed for all socket types. Carbon-fiber sockets exhibited the highest US, but 3D-printed PLA sockets showed comparable strength to current thermoplastic sockets. Although the ISO 10328 testing standard was sufficient to complete these evaluations, the method lacked some socket-specific measures and loading conditions that could have improved comparisons between socket types.

Predictive prosthetic socket design: part 2\u2014generating person-specific candidate designs using multi-objective genetic algorithms

In post-amputation rehabilitation, a common goal is to return to ambulation using a prosthetic limb, suspended by a customised socket. Prosthetic socket design aims to optimise load transfer between the residual limb and mechanical limb, by customisation to the user. This is a time-consuming process, and with the increase in people requiring these prosthetics, it is vital that these personalised devices can be produced rapidly while maintaining excellent fit, to maximise function and comfort. Prosthetic sockets are designed by capturing the residual limb’s shape and applying a series of geometrical modifications, called rectifications. Expert knowledge is required to achieve a comfortable fit in this iterative process. A variety of rectifications can be made, grouped into established strategies [e.g. in transtibial sockets: patellar tendon bearing (PTB) and total surface bearing (TSB)], creating a complex design space. To date, adoption of advanced engineering solutions to support fitting has been limited. One method is numerical optimisation, which allows the designer a number of likely candidate solutions to start the design process. Numerical optimisation is commonly used in many industries but not prevalent in the design of prosthetic sockets. This paper therefore presents candidate shape optimisation methods which might benefit the prosthetist and the limb user, by blending the state of the art from prosthetic mechanical design, surrogate modelling and evolutionary computation. The result of the analysis is a series of prosthetic socket designs that preferentially load and unload the pressure tolerant and intolerant regions of the residual limb. This spectrum is bounded by the general forms of the PTB and TSB designs, with a series of variations in between that represent a compromise between these accepted approaches. This results in a difference in pressure of up to 31 kPa over the fibula head and 14 kPa over the residuum tip. The presented methods would allow a trained prosthetist to rapidly assess these likely candidates and then to make final detailed modifications and fine-tuning. Importantly, insights gained about the design should be seen as a compliment, not a replacement, for the prosthetist’s skill and experience. We propose instead that this method might reduce the time spent on the early stages of socket design and allow prosthetists to focus on the most skilled and creative tasks of fine-tuning the design, in face-to-face consultation with their client.

Digital Transformation and 3D Printing of Transtibial Load-Bearing Prosthesis in India: Recent Advances, Challenges and Future Perspectives

The field of rehabilitation and assistive technology has witnessed various approaches and changes in the course of its evolution. Traditional materials like wood or heavy metals have been replaced by resins and plastics. The need to deliver assistive devices has quickly resulted in the creation of new technologies like 3D printing and digital transformation, internet of things IoT. This article addresses the development of applying digital transformation and 3D printing techniques to produce socket designs for weight bearing transtibial prosthetic system. It also focus on efficacy of the load-bearing transtibial sockets, design philosophies involved, materials used and the forthcoming challenges. This initiative involves experienced clinical prosthetists, product designers, digital modelers and additive manufacturing engineers working toward this application.

Evaluating shear and normal force with the use of an instrumented transtibial socket: A case study

Patients with transtibial amputation experience ulcers on their residual limb. The loading between the device and underlying material plays a role in loads transmitted to the skin. The objective was to evaluate normal and shear forces at the socket/liner interface during walking.A 53 year old male (85.45 kg and 177.8 cm) with a transtibial amputation participated in this case study. A transtibial prosthesis was instrumented with a load cell to measure normal and shear forces at the socket interface. Three conditions were evaluated during walking: gel liner, additional three ply sock and a hole in the gel liner.Shear and normal forces were highest with the addition of a three ply. Longitudinal shear stresses ranged from 0.4–7.66 kPa, transverse shear stresses ranged from 0.01–7.79 kPa and normal stresses ranged from 2.7–61.9 kPa.Increased shear and normal forces can cause a significant decrease in blood perfusion, linked to an increased risk of ulcer formation. Experimental force results are also important for future work involving finite element modeling of the skin/liner/device interface.

Evaluation of the influence of cyclic loading on a laser sintered transtibial prosthetic socket using Digital Image Correlation (DIC).

People with a transtibial amputation worldwide rely on their prosthetic socket to regain their mobility. Patient comfort is largely affected by the weight and strength of these prosthetic sockets. The use of additive manufacturing could give the prosthetist a range of new design possibilities when designing a prosthetic socket. These new design possibilities can in turn lead to improved socket designs and more comfortable prosthetic sockets. This new way of designing and producing prosthetic sockets radically differs from the manual traditional production process. This makes it difficult for prosthetists to understand how all these new design possibilities influence the mechanical properties of the additive manufactured prosthetic socket. Therefore there is a growing need for a method to evaluate the strength and stiffness of newly developed socket designs.We propose a method to evaluate the strength and stiffness of prosthetic sockets. A robotic gait simulator is used to apply realistic kinetics of amputee gait to the tested socket. A Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system is then used to measure the deformation of a prosthetic socket under different loading conditions. This way it is possible to check if plastic deformation will occur in the designed transtibial socket. Furthermore it is possible to assess the effect of cyclic loading on the 3D printed socket.To illustrate the proposed method, a transtibial prosthetic socket was designed using CAD software and produced with laser sintering PA12. DIC measurements were performed on this transtibial socket both before and after it was subjected to a cyclic load of 1 million cycles (mimicking realistic amputee gait).

Transtibial Socket Design, Interface, and Suspension: A Clinical Practice Guideline

ABSTRACT Materials N/A Methods The guideline is based upon the best available evidence as it relates to socket design, interface, and suspension of definitive transtibial prostheses. Where possible, recommendations are drawn from systematic review and meta-analysis. Where this standard is unavailable, alternate academic literature has been used to support individual recommendations. Results Recommendation 1: The static and dynamic pressure distribution of the residual limb within the socket are essential considerations in patient comfort, function and well-being. Recommendation 2: Total surface bearing sockets are indicated to decrease fitting times and enable higher activity levels. Recommendation 3: Compared to traditional foam-based interfaces, viscoelastic interface liners are indicated to decrease dependence on walking aides, improve suspension, improve load distribution, decrease pain and increase comfort. Recommendation 4: Among modern suspension options, vacuum assisted suspension (VAS) sockets permits the least amount of pistoning within the socket, followed by suction suspension and then pin-lock suspension. The traditional suspension options of supracondylar, cuff and sleeve suspension provide comparatively compromised suspension. Recommendation 5: VAS sockets are indicated to decrease daily limb volume changes of the limb in the socket while facilitating more favorable pressure distribution during gait. Recommendation 6: VAS sockets require both awareness and compliance on the part of the end user and are not universally indicated. Conclusions These clinical practice guidelines summarize the available evidence related to the socket design, interface, and suspension of definitive transitibial prostheses. The noted clinical practice guidelines are meant to serve on as “guides.” They may not apply to all patients and clinical situations.

An Investigation of the Structural Strength of Transtibial Sockets Fabricated Using Conventional Methods and Rapid Prototyping Techniques.

Rapid Prototyping is becoming an accessible manufacturing method but before clinical adoption can occur, the safety of treatments needs to be established. Previous studies have evaluated the static strength of traditional sockets using ultimate strength testing protocols outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). To carry out a pilot test in which 3D printed sockets will be compared to traditionally fabricated sockets, by applying a static ultimate strength test. 36 sockets were made from a mold of a transtibial socket shape,18 for cushion liners with a distal socket attachment block and 18 for locking liners with a distal 4-hole pattern. Of the 18 sockets, 6 were thermoplastic, 6 laminated composites & 6 3D printed Polylactic Acid. Sockets were aligned in standard bench alignment and placed in a testing jig that applied forces simulating individuals of different weight putting force through the socket both early and late in the stance phase. Ultimate strength tests were conducted in these conditions. If a setup passed the ultimate strength test, load was applied until failure. All sockets made for cushion liners passed the strength tests, however failure levels and methods varied. For early stance, thermoplastic sockets yielded, laminated sockets cracked posteriorly, and 3D printed socket broke circumferentially. For late stance, 2/3 of the sockets failed at the pylon. Sockets made for locking liners passed the ultimate strength tests early in stance phase, however, none of the sockets passed for forces late in stance phase, all broke around the lock mechanism. Thermoplastic, laminated and 3D printed sockets made for cushion liners passed the ultimate strength test protocol outlined by the ISO for forces applied statically in gait. This provides initial evidence that 3D printed sockets are statically safe to use on patients and quantifies the static strength of laminated and thermoplastic sockets. However, all set-ups of sockets made for locking liners failed at terminal stance. While further work is needed, this suggests that the distal reinforcement for thermoplastic, laminated and 3D printed sockets with distal cylindrical locks may need to be reconsidered.

Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Design and Suspension Mechanism: A Literature Review

ABSTRACT Introduction The body weight of the prosthetic user is supported and distributed by the prosthetic socket during the stance phase of gait. Throughout swing phase, inertial forces (pressure and shear) are exerted by the socket suspension mechanism onto the residuum to facilitate suspension. Objectives in the study were to identify and investigate available evidence in transtibial (TT) socket design and suspension to highlight the most effective weight transfer mechanisms and suspension techniques. Methods A literature research was conducted comprising two parts: socket design and suspension. Boolean search terms and truncation were used using relevant keywords in online search engines to obtain precise results. Results Seventeen articles that met inclusion criteria were reviewed. Conclusions A conclusion on whether socket preference is due to the suspension mechanism or socket design itself cannot be drawn. Patellar tendon bearing (PTB) sockets are still successfully used and, in some studies, preferred over total surface bearing (TSB) sockets. Biomechanically, however, TSB sockets allow for a more even weight distribution when combined with suction, particularly vacuum-assisted socket suspension (VASS). Some limited evidence exists to support that such designs may have some effect on wound healing and early ambulation. Further research must be conducted to standardize acclimation periods. Crossover randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are required to establish an evidence base to improve clinical practice.

HOW INFILL PERCENTAGE AFFECTS THE ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF A 3D-PRINTED TRANSTIBIAL SOCKET

INTRODUCTION
 3D printing for non‐weight‐bearing upper extremity prostheses is becoming increasingly popular as a method of fabrication.1 Some clinics in North America have begun using 3D printing to fabricate lower extremity diagnostic sockets (Figure 1). The strength requirements for upper extremity prostheses are not as rigorous as the strength requirements for lower extremity prostheses. Therefore, strength testing on 3D-printed lower extremity sockets is one of the first steps that needs to be conducted to ensure patient safety. 3D-printed prosthetic sockets are becoming an alternative option to traditional methods because it is possible to customize different parameters to create a strong structure. Infill percentage is an important parameter to research as this can have an influence on the strength of 3D printed sockets.2 As both prosthetists and healthcare professionals, there is a need to become more involved in the process of designing and testing 3D printed sockets. The purpose of this study is to test how changing the infill percentage affects the ultimate strength of a 3D printed transtibial socket during initial contact.
 Abstract PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32038/24453
 How to cite: Campbell L, Lau A, Pousett B, Janzen E, Raschke S.U. HOW INFILL PERCENTAGE AFFECTS THE ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF A 3D-PRINTED TRANSTIBIAL SOCKET. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32038 
 Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 
 http://www.aopanet.org/

THE EFFECT OF MATERIAL CHOICE AND PROCESS PARAMETERS ON THE MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF 3D-PRINTED TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC

INTRODUCTION
 The most important aspect of a lower extremity prosthesis is the socket. The socket is the interface between the human and the mechanical support system1. There are different methods for producing prosthetic sockets. The traditional method requires a skilled prosthetist and is time consuming 2, 3. Using 3D printing technology for manufacturing prosthetic sockets promises to speed up the fabrication process and reduce materials and time cost significantly. 3D Printed prosthetic sockets have to potential to increase socket strength and durability. This paper investigates the effect of material choices and printing process parameters on the mechanical strength of 3D printed trans-tibial sockets.
 Abstract PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32160/24510
 How to cite: Sabeti S, Raschke S.U, Mattie J. THE EFFECT OF MATERIAL CHOICE AND PROCESS PARAMETERS ON THE MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF 3D-PRINTED TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32160 
 Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 
 http://www.aopanet.org/