Christine Bronikowski, Amanda Chen, Jared Mulford, Amy Ostrowski

1. Analyzing the forces within unilateral transtibialprosthetic sockets and design of an improved force minimizing socket Christine Bronikowski, Amanda Chen, Jared Mulford, Amy Ostrowski Advisor: Aaron Fitzsimmons, The Surgical Clinic

2. Problem Statement • Lack of research in the socket interface between the artificial limb and the residual limb, specifically force profiles • Majority of research based on models with historically proven success and qualitative assessments

3. Current Process for Constructing a Transtibial Socket • Transtibial Patient Evaluation a. Limb measurements b. Skin type and integrity c. Range of motion d. Hand dexterity e. Fine and gross motor skills • Cognition • Gel Liner Interface Material Selection • Most common: Urethane, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone • Fit Gel Liner to Patient

4. Current Process for Constructing a Transtibial Socket (cont.) • Cast and measure over gel liner • Modify negative model • Computer modeling • Hand modification • Fabricate positive check socket • Fit positive check socket – static and dynamic assessments • Fit final laminated socket

5. Current Socket Designs Designed on a case-by-case basis for individual patients

6. Problems with Current Models • Skin abrasion • Pain or discomfort • Tissue breakdown at the skin surface and within deep tissues • Pressure ulcerations and resultant infections at the socket interface Many of these problems arise from forces at prosthetic interfaces

7. Project Goals • Acquire accurate measurements of perpendicular forces acting on the residual limb of transtibial amputee during various movements • Pinpoint regions with highest forces • Design a socket system in which forces are optimally distributed throughout the residual limb-socket interface • Increase overall patient comfort

8. Forces Acting on the Limb • Shear– resulting from frictional forces between skin and socket • Can be minimized using socket liners • Perpendicular

9. Method of Force Analysis • Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) placed between liner and socket • Very thin– will not cause variation in force determination • Decrease in resistance with increasing force, which leads to increasing output voltage

10. Circuit Design Circuit design: current to voltage converter Vout=Vref*(-RG/RFSR)

11. Circuit Design

12. Placement of FSRs Impractical to cover every area of the residual limb with sensors One FSR used in each area of clinical interest, 9 total Pressure Sensitive • Distal end of tibia • Distal end of fibula • Fibular head • Anteromedial tibia • Hamstring tendons • Pressure Tolerant • Patellar tendon • Medial tibial flare • Mid shaft of fibula • Medial tibial shaft

13. Design/Safety Considerations • Wire thickness • Thin enough to prevent interference with force data • Thick enough to remain durable during movement • FSR-wire connection • Must not break during testing • Transportability • Must move from treadmill to ramp area quickly • Power Supply

14. Preliminary Trial at The Surgical Clinic

15. Recent Work • Alterations based on the preliminary test • FSRs reinforced with nonconductive epoxy • Circuit rebuilt • Transportable Encasement • Prosthetic leg testing • Voltage calibration • Drift correction • NI LabVIEW / RIO

16. Current Status • Preparing to test with Cody on Friday, Feb. 11th • Developing LabVIEW module to record data • Attempting to get in contact with Dr. Robinson • Calibrating Voltage – Force curve

17. Future Work • Conduct trials with additional patients • Test on multiple surfaces (incline, flat, stairs) • Analyze results, determine regions containing peak forces • Test several different types of sockets with Cody • Design and develop new socket: provide more cushioning in areas of greatest force • Determine success from patient feedback and peak force reduction in critical regions

18. References