Design and manufacture of prosthetic sockets based on soft tissue thickness.

Abstract

Background: Wearing a prosthesis is one of the main ways for amputees to regain their mobility and reintegrate into society. Traditional prosthetic socket fabrication consists of many different stages and is difficult to quantify. More and more prosthetists are using CAD/CAM technology in the design and manufacture of sockets.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to propose a method for designing the socket based on the soft tissue thickness of the stump.

Methods: The sockets with different parameters were designed based on soft tissue thickness, and the subjects were subjected to pressure test and walking test after wearing 3D-printed sockets and traditional manual sockets for 6 weeks, respectively.

Results: The pressures of the designed socket at the end of the tibia and the fibula head region as well as the maximum pressure at the stump/socket interface were significantly lower than those of the traditional socket. The results of a 2-minute walk test and socket comfort score showed a significant difference in walking ability and comfort when subjects wore different sockets.

Conclusion: The 3D-printed socket can meet the daily needs of amputees. Existing methods may be superior to traditional manufacturing methods for data storage and modification.