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Analyzing the forces within transtibial prosthetic sockets and design of an improved force minimizing socket. Christine Bronikowski, Amanda Chen, Jared Mulford, Amy Ostrowski. Advisor: Aaron Fitzsimmons, The Surgical Clinic. Problem Statement.
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Analyzing the forces within transtibial prosthetic sockets and design of an improved force minimizing socket Christine Bronikowski, Amanda Chen, Jared Mulford, Amy Ostrowski Advisor: Aaron Fitzsimmons, The Surgical Clinic
Problem Statement • Lack of research in the socket interface between the artificial limb and the residual limb, specifically force profiles • Majority of the research focused on components with higher potential financial gains • Problems with skin irritation, varying degrees of pain, tissue breakdown, pressure ulcerations, and resultant infections at the socket interface develop
Project Goals • Acquire accurate measurements of the forces acting on the residual limb of an amputee during various movements • Determine areas of highest force • Design a socket system in which the forces are optimally distributed throughout the cross-section of the surface between the residual limb and socket • Increase overall patient comfort
Current Socket Designs • Designed on a case-by-case basis for individual patients
Method of Force Analysis • Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) placed directly in socket • Very thin-will not cause variation in force determination • Change in resistance when force is applied, converted to a voltage difference
Current Work • Circuit design: current to voltage converter
Design/Safety Considerations • Sensitivity/saturation of FSR may not be within desired force range • Wire thickness: thin enough to prevent interference with force data • Thick enough to not break during movement/walking • FSR-wire connection: must be durable due to movement of limb • Low temperature solder: must not melt FSR plastic
Future Work • Insertion of ~15 FSRs into limb-socket interface of “model” patient, Cody • Test run: determine if FSR saturates, stays intact, comfort and safety of Cody • Repeat with ~10 patients • Rotate FSRs within socket to cover entire area • Test multiple surfaces (incline, flat, stair) • Analyze results, determine location of maximum force • Design and develop a new socket: provide more flexibility in areas of greatest force
Determination of Success • Design is patient-driven • Survey and level of comfort pre and post new socket