An approach to replicating clinical prosthetic sockets to support research

Chadwell, Alix, Kenney, Laurence, Prince, Michael, Olsen, Jennifer and Dyson, Matthew (2024) An approach to replicating clinical prosthetic sockets to support research. Myoelectric Controls Symposium, New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada. 12 - 15 Aug 2024.

Abstract

Research into upper-limb prostheses is often limited by access to prosthetic sockets, each custom-fitted by a prosthetist. Many technological advances in upper-limb prostheses come from engineering focussed labs. Unfortunately, with a global shortage of prosthetists, often, these labs cannot rely on access to a prosthetist to support experimental work, making it hard to undertake quality research reflective of clinical realities. We propose a process to replicate the internal shape of a clinical standard prosthetic socket and facilitate broader access to more representative research. Our proposed method uses a combination of silicone, alginate, and plaster. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the proposed new approach is feasible and accurate. This technique will facilitate improvements in the assessment of prosthetic technologies. The process is non-destructive, thus also opening opportunities for socket design and electrode placement research with the removal of confounding factors relating to socket shape. Improving access to prosthetic sockets for research purposes will undoubtedly have international impact.

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Contributors

Author: Alix Chadwell

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