Pressure Reduction Management System in Three-Dimensional-Printed Transtibial Prosthetic Socket during Stance Phase

Abstract

IntroductionHigh pressure on sensitive areas of the residual limb while wearing a prosthetic socket must be minimized to avoid injury and uncomfortable fitting. The purpose of this study was to reduce the peak pressures on sensitive regions within a three-dimensional (3D)-printed transtibial prosthetic socket.Materials and MethodsThis study proposed a 3D-printed socket with three built-in tiny air bladders integrated within the interface between the liner and socket and electronically managed by a pressure and volume control system. A pseudo-artificial residual limb was fabricated to mimic the transtibial residual limb. The interface pressure in the 3D-printed socket was evaluated using F-socket transducers during inflation and deflation of the air bladders in the stance phase through universal tensile machine load.ResultsBased on the statistical analysis, the highest significant pressure reduction (P < 0.05) was 5.71%, which was recorded at the posterior region, and 4.68% (P < 0.05) at the medial region during posterior and medial air bladders inflation, respectively.ConclusionPeak pressures were reduced at the lateral tibia condyle, tibia tuberosity, tibia crest, anterior distal end of tibia, fibula head, distal end of fibula, medial femoral condyle, lateral femur condyle, and patellar of the artificial residual limb.Clinical RelevanceThis system has the potential to minimize high pressures at the subregions of the residual limb in clinical settings and in day-to-day activities. Thus, this design could provide an excellent pressure and volume control at the bony areas, which improves satisfaction and socket fit for persons with amputation.