New Technology for Early Detection of Residuum Tissue Damages
Abstract
During every major conflict, combat injuries have caused large numbers of Service members to lose one or more of their limbs, and they remain one of the most visible and enduring reminders of the cost of war. Although the military continues to offer state-of-the-art amputee care to help wounded Service members regain their independence, one in every two Service members with limb loss will go on to suffer from persistent limb pain due to bone or soft tissue breakdown associated with the use of a prosthetic limb. Fit of the prosthetic limb is considered key for successful return to an active lifestyle following amputation. However, the bone and soft tissues of the residual limb are not physiologically designed or well adapted to withstand the high force, temperature, and humidity associated with the everyday use of the prosthesis. These factors, along with changes in size and shape of the residual limb over time, make the soft tissues that interact with the prosthesis particularly vulnerable to degeneration, breakdown, and subsequent ulceration. This research will directly address this problem and will be the first, world-wide, to demonstrate the potential of a new non-invasive ultrasound technology specifically to determine the mechanical properties and viability of bone and soft tissue of the residuum of amputees while they undertake common activities of daily living. Uniquely, it aims to develop a low-cost, portable, and non-invasive clinical tool that will aid in the early detection, prevention, and management of bone problems and soft tissue degeneration and ulceration. It will also explore the role of temperature, direct loading, activity, and usage of a new prosthetic limb on the viability of tissue of the residual limb within the first 6 months of fitting, the most common time for pain due to bone or soft tissue breakdown. In doing so, this project will not only generate new knowledge about the response of these tissues to loading but will also assist in the prevention of tissue breakdown by providing clinicians with a non-invasive clinical tool that will aid early detection of osteoporosis, abnormal bone formation, and identify soft tissues at risk of deep tissue injury and ulceration. It will also guide clinical management of prosthetic fitting by providing a reliable method for monitoring tissue properties over time and help to personalize prescription of the socket and, eventually, prosthetic components. In the long term, it is anticipated it will not only help to reduce the health and financial burden associated with prosthetic use but ultimately aims to enhance the physical function and quality of life of Service members with limb loss, assisting them to reach their highest level of function and, for those who desire to continue their military service, to attain their goals and support their return to active duty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1610475
Entities
People
- Christian Langton
Organizations
- Queensland University of Technology
- United States Army