Biomechanical design considerations for transradial prosthetic interface: A review

Abstract

Traditional function and comfort assessment of transradial prostheses pay scant attention to prosthetic interface. With better understanding of the biomechanics of prosthetic interface comes better efficiency and safety for interface design; in this way, amputees are more likely to accept prosthetic usage. This review attempts to provide design and selection criteria of transradial interface for prosthetists and clinicians. Various transradial socket types in the literature were chronologically reviewed. Biomechanical discussion of transradial prosthetic interface design from an engineering point of view was also done. Suspension control, range of motion, stability, as well as comfort and safety of socket designs have been considered in varying degrees in the literature. The human-machine interface design should change from traditional "socket design" to new "interface design." From anatomy and physiology to biomechanics of the transradial residual limb, the force and motion transfer, together with comfort and safety, are the two main aspects in prosthetic interface design. Load distribution and transmission should mainly rely on achieving additional skeletal control through targeted soft tissue relief. Biomechanics of the residual limb soft tissues should be studied to find the relationship between mechanical properties and the comfort and safety of soft tissues.

Test Rig Design and Preliminarily Assessment for a Transradial Socket

“…The 70% of all persons with upper limb amputations have amputations distal to the elbow. Transradial amputation level occurs in the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist [2]. Amputee needs intermediate part to wear and fit the prosthetic device firmly with the residual limb.…”

Does Trans-Radial Longitudinal Compression Influence Myoelectric Control?

“…16 In contrast, several designs have emerged with the aim of improving biomechanical stability, most notably those featuring longitudinal compression. 7, [20][21][22] It is known that consistent contact between the residuum and the electrodes is required for reliable myoelectric control, 3, 16 but to the best of our knowledge there is currently no published research detailing whether the enhanced tissue stabilisation provided by longitudinal compression sockets improves myoelectric prosthesis reliability. Out of the available longitudinal compression socket designs, the Compression-Release Stabilized (CRS) socket is a well-known design for which fitting notes are documented.…”

Optimizing strap designs of upper limb prostheses

“…Using three straps with pulling function, the splayed strap shape controls hand and elbow motion with the stump and shoulder, thereby providing continuous movement. The straps on existing shoulder prostheses have three functions: (1) to suspend the upper limb prosthesis, fixing the prosthesis to the stump; (2) to operate the upper limb prosthesis, thereby optimizing body dynamic source; and (3) to improve the wearability of upper limb prosthesis. 3,4 In this study, we propose an upper limb prosthesis with a negative pressure design.…”

“…Upper limb prostheses are typical shoulder prostheses that provide additional assistance and protection to patients with upper limb disability, thereby increasing the quality of life of these patients. 1,2 With the increase in the number of patients with upper limb disability, upper limb prostheses are being developed in large numbers. However, shoulder prostheses in the market are largely identical with minor differences.…”