Case Study
Year: 2021 | Month: July | Volume: 11 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 317-321
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210744
Design & Development of a Trans Tibial Socket Stabilized by Alternating Areas of Tissue Compression and Release – A Case Study
Prachi Prava Pattnaik1, Jonathan T2
1Lecturer, Dept. of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Christian Medical College, Vellore
2Intern, Dept. of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Christian Medical College, Vellore
Corresponding Author: Prachi Prava Pattnaik
ABSTRACT
The socket is the most important aspect of the artificial limb, constituting the critical interface between the amputee’s stump and prosthesis. The design and fitting of the socket is also the most difficult procedure due to the uniqueness of each amputee’s stump. An uncomfortable socket fit is the most common complaint from lower limb amputees with surveys revealing that amputees believe comfort are the most important aspects of the prosthesis and over half of all wearers are in moderate to severe pain for most of the time whilst wearing the prosthesis. Kristinsson argued that a transtibial socket can be designed to transfer loads primarily to limited areas of the limb such as the patella tendon and the medial flare, which in most cases found both ineffective and uncomfortable. There were inconsistencies in producing satisfactory PTB sockets because of inadequate training of prosthetist in the PTB technique. However, the TSB silicon liner socket has problems such as causing excessive perspiration, heating and odor etc. Therefore, a new socket is designed following the principle of alternative pressure and release to overcome the disadvantages and to check the socket with regard to stability, comfort and satisfaction.
Method: A single case study of a person 37-year-old, with transtibial amputation population took part in this study and was selected according to the inclusion criteria. The participant was provided patient information sheet and after taking the informed consent, the assessment and fabrication of the new socket were being proceeded, taking the cast on the first day. On the third day the newly designed socket along with prosthesis was provided with an adaptation period of 7 days. After 7 days the patient was called to check the stability with standing, comfort and satisfaction with a prosthetic socket comfort score.
Results and Discussion: The present socket is well suitable for transtibial patient in weight bearing position. It fits well to the contour of the adult patient. The socket was adjusted manually during rectification phase providing respective pressure in areas required.
Conclusion: The developed socket had a great effect on gait pattern of transtibial amputee. This socket provides adjustment for pressure, anterior, posterior, medial and lateral of the stump. It also creates surface for the placement of bony prominences. As it is a complex casting procedure, proper care should be taken to fabricate the casting of socket with minimal error. Further, innovative inventions will be required to refine more products and extensive study has to be carried out on the existing mode.
Key words: transtibial amputation, transtibial socket, tissue compression and release.