PROSTHETICS ORTHOTICS MANUFACTURINGINITIATIVE (POMI): COMPOSITE SOCKET TESTING NOVEL DESIGN AND FABRICATION PARADIGM

摘要

Definitive sockets for amputees are routinely made of composite materials. The objective of wasto gather quantitative data on the materials commonly used to manufacture definitive compositesockets. The purpose was to make informed recommendations to guide socket fabrication.Sockets were tested according to the static testing described by the ISO standard for lower limbprostheses. The results are presented and a potential failure mechanism discussed.A new paradigm for the design and fabrication of custom composite sockets is discussed. Instark contrast to the current practice of design by experience, the proposed paradigm will involvemeasuring the loads a patient exerts on a socket, modeling the load transfer paths through theresidual limb, and designing a comfortable socket for an individual patient. The fabrication willbe done with a high degree of automation, allowing skilled physicians to focus on patient care.