Dynamic Socket Design for Transtibial Prosthesis

Within the industry dedicated to build and adapt orthoses and prostheses, there has been a growing number of users or patients who require the use of prosthesis, for the replacement of one or several limbs (either lower or upper); for this reason, the innovation in devices and materials appears as a current need for the benefit of patients. Either for the manufacturing or adaptation of prosthetic components, along the experience, it has been evidenced that, in order to treat an amputee, the selection of the components to be used in the prosthesis is not the only aspect to take into account; consequently, one of the paramount factors is the proper management of adaptation The component with the highest relevance in the adaptation of a prosthesis is the socket. This device has been specially made in accordance with the anthropometric measures of the patient, and built using rigid, lasting compounds However, an issue arises regarding the moment when the patient, along adaptation or rehabilitation, changes his/her physical condition or stump. The previous fitting loosens and clearly depends on the suspension system to stay in position; on the other hand, if the patient’s body mass increases rather than decreases, the previously manufactured socket will not allow the use of said prosthesis Because of this, an unexplored research niche has been detected, corresponding to the design and manufacture of dynamic sockets, which can adapt to the user, depending on the change in morphology Another great field of action is the use of dynamic sockets in children.