Thermal Residual Limb Manikin to Test Novel Cooling Technologies for Prosthetic Sockets

Author(s):  
Kathleen J. Bates ◽  
Glenn K. Klute

Heat and perspiration inside the prosthesis cause discomfort and adherence problems for lower limb amputees. To bench test new prosthetic socket interventions, we developed a thermal residual limb manikin (TRLM) and used it to compare two novel cooling technologies: (1) a vacuum pump which provides ventilation across the skin (FLOW) and (2) a liquid cooling sleeve (SLEEVE). Power to maintain TRLM core temperature was measured to indicate cooling effectiveness. Power increased by 7% and 8% after 90 minutes of convective cooling and evaporative cooling, respectively, with the FLOW system. Power increased by 28% with the SLEEVE system.

2016 ◽  
Vol 852 ◽  
pp. 558-563
Author(s):  
Divya Singh ◽  
Richa Pandey

A prosthetic replaces any missing human body part visibly and also aims to resume the normal functionality of the part. Reverse engineering extracts information from a present model or available design and develops a new model using advanced CAD tools. Nowadays the reverse engineered part can be combined with rapid prototyping by various software and integration of CAD-CAM platforms. In this paper, a new method to reverse engineer the residual limb information for lower limb amputees, in order to use it for analyzing and developing a prosthetic socket by scanning and developing a CAD model is proposed. Along this are discussed, the advantages and challenges. This work falls in the emerging field of interdisciplinary engineering, combining medical and advanced mechanical engineering on a humanitarian platform


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gailey ◽  
Anat Kristal ◽  
Jennifer Lucarevic ◽  
Shane Harris ◽  
Brooks Applegate ◽  
...  

Background: Prosthetic socket fit is an important element associated with successful ambulation and use of a prosthesis. Prosthetists and rehabilitation clinicians would benefit from an assessment tool that discriminates between and quantifies the multiple determinants that influence the lower limb amputee’s performance and satisfaction of a prosthetic socket. Objectives: To determine the internal consistency of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey, a new self-report measure of prosthetic socket satisfaction that quantifies suspension, stability, comfort, and appearance. Study design: Cross-sectional sample of active amputees. Methods: Interviews were conducted with prosthetists, physical therapists, and lower limb amputees to identify clinical concerns and common activities influencing socket fit. An expert panel of five clinicians reviewed the items and constructed the original version of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey which was then administered to a convenience sample of 47 active lower limb amputees. Item analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were used to determine the final version of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey. Results: Following item raw score-to-total score correlation with Cronbach’s alpha for comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey determinants, internal consistency improved when nine questions were eliminated. Conclusion: The comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey is a self-report measure of prosthetic socket satisfaction with very good internal consistency. Clinical relevance When socket problems occur, the ability to determine the specific cause can reduce modification time, enhance socket fit, and promote patient satisfaction. A standardized multi-dimensional assessment measure of socket satisfaction enables prosthetists to quantify the multiple determinants of socket satisfaction, improve patient communication, and demonstrate the value of socket interventions.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Safari ◽  
Philip Rowe ◽  
Arjan Buis

Lower limb prosthetic socket shape and volume consistency can be quantified using MRI technology. Additionally, MRI images of the residual limb could be used as an input data for CAD-CAM technology and finite element studies. However, the accuracy of MRI when socket casting materials are used has to be defined. A number of six, 46 mm thick, cross-sections of an animal leg were used. Three specimens were wrapped with Plaster of Paris (POP) and the other three with commercially available silicone interface liner. Data was obtained by utilising MRI technology and then the segmented images compared to corresponding calliper measurement, photographic imaging, and water suspension techniques. The MRI measurement results were strongly correlated with actual diameter, surface area, and volume measurements. The results show that the selected scanning parameters and the semiautomatic segmentation method are adequate enough, considering the limit of clinical meaningful shape and volume fluctuation, for residual limb volume and the cross-sectional surface area measurements.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Christensen ◽  
Patrick Doherty ◽  
Jakob Bue Bjorner ◽  
Henning Langberg

Background:Most amputees live with their prostheses for a long time. Therefore, quality of life is an important outcome for lower limb amputees.Objective:To translate the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) and evaluate psychometric properties.Study Design:Methodological research.Methods:Lower limb amputees responded to electronic versions of the PEQ and SF-36v2 at baseline (n=64), after two weeks (n=51), and after 12 weeks (n=50). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses of the baseline and two weeks test-retest data. Estimates for standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated based on reliability estimates. Construct validity was evaluated by testing using hypotheses testing.Results:Reliability estimates (ICC/Cronbach’s alpha) for the nine subscales were: Social Burden (0.85/0.76), Appearance (0.85/0.72), Residual Limb Health (0.80/0.69), Well-Being (0.78/0.90), Utility (0.76/0.89), Frustration (0.74/0.90), Perceived Response (0.62/0.80), Ambulation (0.61/0.94), Sounds (0.51/0.65). Construct validity was supported in three out of four subscales evaluated.Conclusions:The subscales Social Burden, Appearance, Well-Being, Utility and Frustration had consistent high reliability, supporting their use in assessing the prosthesis related quality of life in lower limb amputees. Results were mixed on three other scales (Residual Limb Health, Perceived Response, and Ambulation), while one scale, Sounds, had consistent low reliability.Clinical relevanceFor the first time a patient reported disease specific quality of life measure for lower limb amputees is available in Danish. Health care providers can now identify patients with reduced quality of life and measure treatment and rehabilitation effects over time.


Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 2658
Author(s):  
Veronika Noll ◽  
Sigrid Whitmore ◽  
Philipp Beckerle ◽  
Stephan Rinderknecht

The relative motion between residual limb and prosthetic socket could be a relevant factor in quantifying socket fit. The measurement of these movements, particularly in dynamic gait situations, poses a challenging task. This paper presents the realization of a measurement concept based on multiple optical 2D-motion sensors. The performance of the system was evaluated on a test rig considering accuracy and precision as well as accomplished measurement frequency and reliability of the system. Additionally, results of a pilot study measuring the relative motion between residual limb and prosthetic socket at seven specific locations of one individual with transtibial amputation during straight level walking are presented. The sensor functionality of the array was confirmed and the test rig experiments were comparable to the previously tested functional model ( e r r rel = 0.52 ± 1.87 %). With a sampling frequency of 1.3 kHz to be distributed among the number of sensor units, the developed system is suitable for investigating the relative movement between residual limb and prosthetic socket in dynamic gait situations. Results of the pilot study show the majority of relative motion occurring during the second half of the gait cycle. The measured relative motions show the residual limb sinking deeper into the socket, extending in the Sagittal plane and rotating internally in the Transverse plane during stance phase. Data captured during swing phase indicate a lower limb extension in the Sagittal plane as well as an external rotation in the Transverse plane.


Author(s):  
Breanna Holmes ◽  
Wenlong Zhang

Prosthetic sockets are static interfaces for dynamic residual limbs. As the user’s activity level increases, the volume of the residual limb can decrease by up to 11% and increase by as much as 7% after activity. Currently, volume fluctuation is addressed by adding/removing prosthetic socks to change the profile of the residual limb. However, this is impractical and time consuming. These painful/functional issues demand a prosthetic socket with an adjustable interface that can adapt to the user’s needs. This paper presents a prototype design for a dynamic soft robotic interface which addresses this need. The actuators are adjustable depending on the user’s activity level, and their structure provides targeted compression to the soft tissue which helps to limit movement of the bone relative to the socket. Testing of the prototype demonstrated promising potential for the design with further refinement. Work on embedded sensing and intelligent feedback control should be continued in future research in order to create a viable consumer product which can improve a lower limb amputee’s quality of life.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Noll ◽  
Niclas Eschner ◽  
Christian Schumacher ◽  
Philipp Beckerle ◽  
Stephan Rinderknecht

Abstract:The amputee’s well-being and mobility are distinclty related to socket fit and resulting biomechanical interaction between residual limb and prosthetic socket. Understanding the dynamic interactions at the interface may lead to new socket standards. This paper introduces a physically-motivated reduced model of the interface, describing the dynamic interactions between residual limb and prosthetic socket. The model allows to investigate the sensitivity to changes of specific parameters in an isolated matter. A simulation study shows how stress distribution changes if friction coefficients are varied which might advance liner design.


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