Prosthetic Smart Socket Technology to Improve Patient Interaction, Usability, Comfort, Fit and Function
Abstract
The interface between the body and the prosthetic socket is critical to comfort, function and safety. When the socket is not fitting well, it is very likely that the users residual limb volume has changed. When this happens, the weight bearing forces are increased in pressure intolerant areas of the limb which can cause skin breakdown, pain and other problems. The typical feedback to prevent these problems is the patients perception whereby discomfort hopefully triggers the patient to investigate the skin and fit. If a skin problem or compromised fit is noted, the user would likely add or remove socks to restore a proper fit and continue about their routine. . This is a problematic methodology for many reasons. To begin with, a person with a newly acquired amputation lacks the historical experience to understand what they are feeling in terms of what is normal or abnormal specifically in a time when they are experiencing the most volume fluctuation and are most at risk of problems. The goal of this study is to determine if a prosthetic socket that notifies its user that the fit is compromised can actually train a user to adjust the sock ply of their prosthesis thereby reducing skin problems and functional compromise more than persons reliant upon the usual feedback based solely upon their discomfort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1048288
Entities
People
- M. J. Highsmith
Organizations
- University of South Florida