Methodology to investigate effect of prosthetic interface design on residual limb soft tissue deformation

Arnstein, Thomas and Buis, Arjan (2024) Methodology to investigate effect of prosthetic interface design on residual limb soft tissue deformation. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal, 6 (1). 7. ISSN 2561-987X (https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v6i1.42196)

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Residual limb discomfort and injury is a common experience for people living with lower limb amputation. Frequently, inadequate load distribution between the prosthetic device and the residual limb is the root cause of this issue. To advance our understanding of prosthetic interface fit, tools are needed to evaluate the mechanical interaction at the prosthetic interface, allowing interface designs to be evaluated and optimised. OBJECTIVES: Present a methodology report designed to facilitate comprehension of the mechanical interaction between the prosthetic interface and the residual limb. As a pilot study, this methodology is used to compare a hands-on and hands-off interface for a single transtibial prosthesis user using secondary Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. METHODOLOGY: MRI data of the residual limb while wearing a prosthetic interface is segmented into a hard tissue and a skin surface model. These models are exported as stereolithography (STL) files. Two methods are used to analyse the interface designs. Firstly, CloudCompare software is used to compute the nearest vertex on the skin surface for every vertex on the compiled internal bony surface for both interface types. Secondly, CloudCompare software is used to compare registered skin surfaces of the residual limb while wearing the hands-on and hands-off interfaces. FINDINGS: The maximum and minimum nearest distances between the internal bony surface and skin surface were similar between interface types. However, the distribution of nearest distances was different. When comparing the skin surface while wearing both interfaces, where the fit is more compressive can be visualized. For the dataset used in this study, the classic features of a hands-on Patella Tendon Bearing interface and hands-off pressure cast interface could be identified. CONCLUSION: The methodology presented in this report may give researchers a further tool to better understand how interface designs affect the soft tissues of the residual limb.

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