Optimization of fitting evaluation in prosthesis alignment and socket pressure

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K20738
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 90140:Medical technology assessment-related
• Research Institution: Niigata University of Health and Welfare
• Principal Investigator: Suda Hironori 新潟医療福祉大学, リハビリテーション学部, 講師 (20567200)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 義足 / 適合 / ソケット圧力

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The prosthetics worn by an amputee consists of a combination of parts that compensate for the lost body. The positioning of the parts is called alignment. The connection between the body and the prosthetic leg is called the socket. The socket must conform to the body, and fit by adjusting the shape and volume is critical. Clinically, this adjustment is determined by rehabilitation staff based on visual and subjective evaluations for each amputee, and since adjustments are made based on empirical knowledge and skills, the time required for alignment and socket adjustment is a problem. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between prosthetic foot alignment and pressure in the socket with the aim of improving prosthetic foot fit evaluation.

Free Research Field

義肢装具の適合と調整

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

義足の適合を客観的に評価するアライメント評価支援ツールがあるが，アライメントとソケット内圧力の関係性のメカニズムは明確にされていない．アライメント設定が不良の場合は，荷重位置や安定性に影響を与えるだけでなく，ソケットと断端に過度な圧迫や不適合が生じるため，アライメントとソケット圧力の関係を具体的にすることが求められている．これにより，臨床において義肢装具士が義足を調整する際の判断材料として有効であり，調整の可視化，調整時間の短縮，評価精度の向上が期待できる．