Methods to design bespoke sockets

Day, Sarah; Nazarpour, Kianoush, ed. (2020) Methods to design bespoke sockets. In: Control of Prosthetic Hands. IET, Stevenage, UK, pp. 15-28. ISBN 9781785619854 (https://doi.org/10.1049/pbhe022e_ch2)

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Abstract

The socket is an integral and important part of the prosthetic limb, providing link between body and technology. The quality of this connection must be considered as we strive towards embodiment of the prosthetic limb. The purpose of the socket is not just to provide a container for the residual limb but to provide a vessel where biomechanical forces can be transmitted from the body to the prosthetic componentry in the most energy -efficient manner while protecting the underlying tissues. The residual limb consists of bone surrounded by an envelope of soft tissues, including muscles which may no longer have insertion points. As the bone is able to move within the envelope of soft tissues, poor transmission of force and discomfort within the prosthesis can occur. Stabilising tissues to minimise bone movement within the socket is considered one of the primary goals in designing and constructing a well-fitting socket.

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