PROSTHETICS ORTHOTICS MANUFACTURING INITIATIVE (POMI): COMPOSITE SOCKET TESTING NOVEL DESIGN AND FABRICATION PARADIGM

摘要

Definitive sockets for amputees are routinely made of composite materials. The objective of was to gather quantitative data on the materials commonly used to manufacture definitive composite sockets. The purpose was to make informed recommendations to guide socket fabrication. Sockets were tested according to the static testing described by the ISO standard for lower limb prostheses. The results are presented and a potential failure mechanism discussed. A new paradigm for the design and fabrication of custom composite sockets is discussed. In stark contrast to the current practice of design by experience, the proposed paradigm will involve measuring the loads a patient exerts on a socket, modeling the load transfer paths through the residual limb, and designing a comfortable socket for an individual patient. The fabrication will be done with a high degree of automation, allowing skilled physicians to focus on patient care.