A Comparative Assessment of Transfemoral Prosthetic Sockets

A Comparative Assessment of Conventional and Adjustable Transfemoral Prosthetic Sockets

The objective of the proposed work is to enhance understanding of the potential benefits of adjustable sockets and inform clinical decision making.

The objective of the proposed work is to enhance understanding of the potential benefits of adjustable sockets and inform clinical decision making. The investigators will explore a range of outcomes that have been found to be important for prostheses users and specifically assess the claims made by device manufacturers. Thirty adults with a transfemoral amputation will participate in four test sessions; one with their clinically prescribed, laminated socket, and three with different adjustable sockets. This data will be used to test the following aims: 1) does socket design impact socket comfort and prosthetic satisfaction? 2) does socket design impact of prosthetic socket on patient mobility and confidence, 3) how does prosthetic socket design influences prosthetic use in the home?, and 4) Are individual characteristics associated with benefits of specific socket designs?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unilateral lower-limb amputation
• Six months of independent ambulation
• Own and regularly wear a prosthesis with socket
• Minimum functional level of K2 on the Medicare Functional Classification Level (MFCL): corresponding to "the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Typical of the limited community ambulator"

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pathology or injury of the intact limb
• Medication that affects their ability to walk
• Neurologic or cardiovascular disease
• Significant vision problems
• Suffer from an impaired mental capacity that negatively impacts verbal communication with the clinicians and research team, or requires a Legally Authorized Representative to facilitate communication