Analysis and Design of a Bypass Socket for Transradial Amputations

The ability to measure functional performance of a prosthesis is hindered by the lack of an equalized mechanical platform to test from. Researchers and designers seeking to increase the pace of development have attempted novel mounts for prostheses so these can be used by able-bodied participants. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in2021 43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society (EMBC) Vol. 2021; pp. 4611 - 4614
Main Authors Musolf, Brett M., Earley, Eric J., Munoz-Novoa, Maria, Ortiz-Catalan, Max
Format Conference Proceeding Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States IEEE 01.01.2021
Subjects
Amputation
Artificial Limbs
Fatigue
Humans
Mechanical variables measurement
Particle measurements
Prosthesis Design
Prosthesis Implantation
Sockets
Task analysis
Three-dimensional displays
Upper Extremity
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ISSN1557-170X
2694-0604
DOI10.1109/EMBC46164.2021.9630008

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Summary:The ability to measure functional performance of a prosthesis is hindered by the lack of an equalized mechanical platform to test from. Researchers and designers seeking to increase the pace of development have attempted novel mounts for prostheses so these can be used by able-bodied participants. Termed "bypass sockets", these can increase the sampling pool during prosthetic evaluations. Here, we present an open-source, 3D printable prosthetic bypass socket for below-elbow (transradial) amputations. Methods to quantify the effectiveness of bypass sockets are limited and therefore we propose the use of a validated and clinically relevant evaluation tool, the Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control (ACMC). We performed the ACMC in six able-bodied subjects with limited experience with myoelectric prostheses and found the participants to be rated from "non-" to "somewhat capable" using the ACMC interpretation scale. In addition, we conducted a secondary evaluation consisting of a subset of tasks of the Cybathlon competition aimed at eliciting fatigue in the participants. All participants completed said tasks, suggesting that the bypass socket is suitable for extended use during prosthesis development.Clinical Relevance- The design and validation of the bypass socket presented here can facilitate the development of upper limb prosthetic systems.
ISSN:1557-170X
2694-0604
DOI:10.1109/EMBC46164.2021.9630008