Functional Performance Evaluation of the Northwestern University Flexible Subischial Vacuum (NU-FlexSIV) Socket for Persons with Transfemoral Amputation
Abstract
Project Objectives and Rationale: We have developed a new prosthetic socket for persons with above-the-knee amputation. The prosthetic socket is the component of the prosthesis that is worn by a person with amputation over the remaining limb. Despite high daily use, the most common complaint among prosthesis users is that prosthetic sockets are uncomfortable. For persons with above-the-knee amputation, this discomfort is attributable to the rigid nature of prosthetic socket whose high edges reach up and rub in the groin and buttocks. These issues can be resolved by designing flexible sockets with lower edges, like our newly developed Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial Vacuum (NUFlexSIV) Socket. The availability of a more comfortable and functional socket will contribute to improving the quality of life of persons with transfemoral amputation, especially military persons with amputation who are typically young, with excellent health prior to injury, and who wish to return to their pre-injury activity levels, resulting in higher functional expectations. The objective of this project is to demonstrate whether comfort and performance of functional activities are improved with the newly developed NU-FlexSIV Socket compared to the current standard-of-care Ischial Containment Socket. Ultimate Applicability of the Research: As part of our previous funding, we developed training materials to help teach certified prosthetists to cast, fit, and fabricate this new custom socket for their transfemoral amputee patients. Like all prosthetic sockets, the NUFlexSIV Socket must be custom made for individual patients following a typical manual fabrication process of patient evaluation, casting the residual limb, rectifying the positive model, fabricating the check socket and fitting, and dynamically aligning the socket. This manual process can only be conveyed through in-person, hands-on education. However, evidence of this socket s effectiveness is still needed. The proposed project will demonstrate whether comfort and functional performance are improved with this newly developed socket compared to the current standard-of-care prosthetic socket. This information is necessary to allow providers to prescribe this new socket technology for persons with above-the-knee amputation. Proposed Benefit to Military Populations, Orthopedic Research and/or Patient Care: Individuals who enter the military are typically young, with excellent health prior to their injury. Many wounded Soldiers wish to return to their pre-injury activity levels, including active duty, resulting in higher functional expectations. Given the substantial negative functional impact of a lower limb amputation, providing these highly skilled, dedicated, and motivated individuals with the rehabilitation and prosthetic technology necessary to return to an active and fulfilling lifestyle, including continued service, is a desirable goal and worthwhile investment of resources. The availability of a more comfortable and functional socket will contribute to improving the quality of life of persons with above-the-knee amputation, especially military persons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 2016
- Source ID
- W81XWH1510708
Entities
People
- Stefania Fatone
Organizations
- Northwestern University
- United States Army