Characterisation of dynamic couplings at lower limb residuum/socket interface using 3D motion capture. Issue 12 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, Jinghua; McGrath, Michael; Laszczak, Piotr; Jiang, Liudi; Bader, Dan L.; Moser, David; Zahedi, Saeed
• Is Part Of: Medical engineering & physics. Volume 37:Issue 12(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1162
• Page End: 1168
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Amputees -- Residuum/socket kinematics -- 3D motion capture; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- Periodicals; Physics -- Periodicals; Génie biomédical -- Périodiques; Biomedical engineering; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2015.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4533

Abstract

Highlights: A new 3D motion based biomechanical model is developed to measure dynamic coupling at residuum/socket interface. Up to 12° of angular and 36mm of axial coupling is obtained from multiple clinical case study sessions on a trans-femoral amputee. The results suggest non-rigid coupling may play an important role in the analysis of 3D kinematics and interface biomechanics. Abstract: Design and fitting of artificial limbs to lower limb amputees are largely based on the subjective judgement of the prosthetist. Understanding the science of three-dimensional (3D) dynamic coupling at the residuum/socket interface could potentially aid the design and fitting of the socket. A new method has been developed to characterise the 3D dynamic coupling at the residuum/socket interface using 3D motion capture based on a single case study of a trans-femoral amputee. The new model incorporated a Virtual Residuum Segment (VRS) and a Socket Segment (SS) which combined to form the residuum/socket interface. Angular and axial couplings between the two segments were subsequently determined. Results indicated a non-rigid angular coupling in excess of 10° in the quasi-sagittal plane and an axial coupling of between 21 and 35 mm. The corresponding angular couplings of less than 4° and 2° were estimated in the quasi-coronal and quasi-transverse plane, respectively. We propose that the combined experimental and analytical approach adopted in this case study could aid the iterative socket fitting process and could potentially lead to a new socket design.