Socket/stump interface dynamic pressure distributions recorded during the prosthetic stance phase of gait of a trans-tibial amputee wearing a hydrocast socket

Abstract

Force sensing resistors (FSR) have been used to measure dynamic stump/socket interface pressures during the gait of a trans-tibial amputee. A total of 350 pressure sensors were attached to the inner wall of a hydrocast socket. Data were sampled at 150Hz during approximately 0.8 seconds of prosthetic stance of gait. The dynamic pressure distributions within a hand cast socket reported by Convery and Buis (1998) are compared with those monitored within a hydrocast socket for the same amputee. The pressure gradients within the hydrocast socket are less than that of the hand cast Patellar-Tendon-Bearing (PTB) socket. The proximal “ring” of high pressure in the hand cast PTB socket is replaced with a more distal pressure in the hydrocast socket.

References

Buis

A WP

Convery

. Calibration problems encountered while monitoring stump/socket interface pressures with force sensing resistors: techniques adopted to minimise inaccuracies. Prosthet Orthot Int 1997; 21: 179–182

Convery

Buis

A WP

. Conventional PTB socket/stump interface dynamic pressure distribution during the prosthetic phase of gait of a trans-tibial amputee. Prosthet Orthot Int 1998, (In press)

Gardner

. A pneumatic system for below-knee casting. Prosthet Orthot Int 1968; 3(4/5)12–14

Kristinsson

. The ICEROSS concept: a discussion of a philosophy. Prosthet Orthot Int 1993; 17: 49–55

Krouskop

T A

Brown

Goode

Winningham

. Interface pressures in above-knee sockets. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1987; 68: 713–714

Murdoch

. The “Dundee” socket for the below-knee amputation. Prosthet Orthot Int 1968; 3: 15–21

Radcliffe

C W

. The biomechanics of below-knee prosthesis in normal, level, bipedal walking. Artificial Limbs 1961; 6(2)16–24