Lower Extremity Prosthetic and Orthotic Procedures,

摘要

The study addressed itself to diagnostic methods for improving the fit of lower extremity prosthetic (artificial limbs) and orthotic (braces) devices. Analytic studies of the relationships between stump shape and volume and the characteristics of resulting prosthetic sockets identified strong and weak points of current prosthetic practice. Concurrently, a method of producing transparent prosthetic sockets, x-ray techniques for examining stump socket fit,and a pneumatic regulator to control the fit of the distal end of a socket were developed. In addition, a novel technique for anchoring below and above knee braces to a plastic shoe insert was also developed. An evaluation study indicated that this device provided improved cosmesis as well as control of feet and ankle motion.