Thesis

Study of the pressure distribution at the prosthesis/stump interface of a new design of socket : a pilot study

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2015
Thesis identifier
  • T14259
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201451805
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The most important part of a trans-femoral prosthesis is the socket. It has to transfer the load generated during gait from the ground to the stump in a comfortable way. Several socket designs for trans-femoral amputees have appeared over the past half century, which have addressed many factors such as comfort, function and suspension. However, a totally satisfactory socket is still to be achieved. The present designs that are mostly used are the quadrilateral and ischial containment. Recently, a new transfemoral socket design has been proposed. It has been called the "High Fidelity" socket. According to the developers, this socket is claimed to provide a better connection with the femur, better suspension and comfort than current sockets. The aim of this research project was to assess the function of the high Fidelity trans-femoral socket relative to the ischial containment socket. This was done by measuring and comparing the pressure distribution at the stump/socket interface of the two socket designs, and recording the subjective views of the subject. Gait parameters (kinetic and kinematic) and the pressure distribution were measured simultaneously using the CAREN system (Computer Aided Rehabilitation Environment) technology and the Tekscan system in the gait analysis laboratory. A literature review of socket design and philosophies for trans-femoral amputation level prostheses was undertaken. It was found that the pressure distribution of the High Fidelity socket is more uniform than that of the ischial containment socket. The results captured were from one subject only because of the time limitation. The subject found that both sockets were comfortable. The acclimatization period for the High Fidelity socket was short.
Advisor / supervisor
  • MacGarry, Anthony
  • Childs, Craig
  • Solomonidis, Stephanos
Resource Type
DOI
Embargo Note
  • This thesis is restricted to Strathclyde users only.

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