ABSTRACT
Introduction: A simple time-efficient method to fabricate prosthetic sockets
with embedded sensors to track limb motion may facilitate the clinical
application of continuously collected quantitative data in prosthetics practice.
Methods: A 3D-printed inner structure of the socket shape with debosses on
the outside surface to hold sensors was fabricated, the sensors were affixed in
place, and the socket was laminated and trimmed.
Results: The time to fabricate an embedded sensor socket was 12% less than
that required to fabricate a traditional carbon-fiber socket with sensors. The
investigational sockets increased in volume slightly, <0.2%, over the course of
4 weeks of take-home use, likely because of compression of the inner
structure material during ambulation. Sockets with a vapor-smoothed finish
had a significantly lower coefficient of friction (COF) with the liner fabric
backing than sockets with a normal surface finish (P < 0.01), though
participant preference for the lower COF socket was mixed.
Discussion: The speed, quality, and durability of the investigational sockets
warrant clinical studies to determine which quantitative limb motion metrics
(e.g., pistoning, volume, anterior distal motion) help prosthetists meaningfully
enhance their patient care.
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