Bending Strength Test and Evaluation of a Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Fabricated by Selective Laser Sintering

摘要

Transtibial prosthetic sockets made using selective laser sintering (SLS) of Duraform (Trademark) polyamide have no documented failure data. To produce prostheses with safe weight and usage limits, a nonstandard bending test was needed to determine the maximum safe loading of the socket and to recommend design improvements. The bending test was designed to replicate forces experienced by a wearer stepping down and forward as from a slight elevation. This test, along with a finite element analysis, provided information about the force limitations and weakest point of the socket. Suggestions for improving the design incorporated this information and laid the groundwork for further improvements. (21 figures, 15 refs.).