Volume 51 Number 1, 2014
Pages 101 — 110
Abstract — Pressure casting technique for transtibial prosthetic socket fit in developing countries
Peter Vee Sin Lee, PhD;1* Noel Lythgo, PhD;2 Sheridan Laing, BEng;1 Jimmy Lavranos, BSc;3 Nguyen Hai Thanh, BSc4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; 2School of Medical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 3Prosthetics and Orthotics, Royal Children’s Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 4Vietnamese Training Centre for Orthopaedic Technologists, Hanoi, Vietnam
Abstract — This study investigated a low-cost and low-skill dependent pressure casting technique (PCAST) to fabricate and fit transtibial (TT) prosthetic sockets in a developing country. Thirteen adult volunteers (average age 47 yr) with unilateral TT amputation participated. After fitting, five participants were lost to follow-up (four rejected the prosthesis and one died). The eight remaining participants used the prosthesis for an average of 167 +/– 1 d and indicated regular use throughout this period. Success was evaluated by measures of satisfaction (Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire [SATPRO]), physical function, and gait recorded after fitting and following the usage period. SATPRO results showed high levels of satisfaction on both occasions. After the usage period, the timed up-and-go and six-minute walk performances increased by 1.7 +/– 2.0 s and 60 +/– 29 m (p = 0.001), respectively, whereas gait speed, cadence, step and stride length, support base, and percent gait cycle times remained unchanged. The results show that a TT PCAST socket (with some minor modifications) was successfully fitted to eight of the participants (success rate of 62%). It is reasonable to conclude that this technique may assist people with TT amputation in a developing country where there is a lack of trained personnel. Importantly, this technique may reduce TT prosthetic costs and increase fitting opportunity in a developing country.
Key words: amputee, biomechanics, gait, low-cost, patient satisfaction, pressure casting, rehabilitation, residual limb, socket, socket fit, transtibial amputation.
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This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows:
Lee PV, Lythgo N, Laing S, Lavranos J, Thanh NH. Pressure casting technique for transtibial prosthetic socket fit in developing countries. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2014;51(1): 101–10.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2012.10.0191
Lee PV, Lythgo N, Laing S, Lavranos J, Thanh NH. Pressure casting technique for transtibial prosthetic socket fit in developing countries. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2014;51(1): 101–10.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2012.10.0191
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Last Reviewed or Updated Wednesday, April 9, 2014 12:00 PM
