How Infill Percentage Affects the Ultimate Strength of 3D-Printed Transtibial Sockets during Initial Contact
Leah Campbell & Adrial Lau (BCIT Students), Brittany Pousett (Barber Prosthetics Clinic), and Ernie Janzen & Silvia Raschke (MAKE + Applied Research, Centre for Applied Research & Innovation)
3D printing is relatively new to prosthetics and there is little research showing the strength of 3D printed sockets. Even if there was research available, not all 3D printed socket are created equal. Manipulating the settings on a 3D printer can have a significant impact on the resulting 3D printed socket. These impacts can include the time it takes to print a socket, the strength of the socket, the weight of the socket, and many more.
There are many different parameters that can be manipulated but this project investigated how changing the infill percentage (the percentage of material between the internal and external socket walls) affected the strength of 3D printed transtibial sockets. The static strength testing was carried out using the ISO standard for the structural testing of Lower Limb Prostheses. The strength testing apparatus was aligned to test the strength of the sockets at initial contact for patients weighing 100 kg. We found that the infill percentage did not affect the structural strength of the 3D printed sockets we made. For more information, you can find the full article here.
This project was completed in collaboration with two graduates of the 2018 BCIT Prosthetics and Orthotics program.
Tracking the Effect of Modifications of Trans-tibial Socket Design on In-Socket Pressure Distribution
Vanessa Krautmann (University of Stuutgart, Germany), Brittany Pousett (Barber Prosthetics Clinic) and Angie Wong & Silvia Raschke (MAKE + Applied Research, Centre for Applied Research & Innovation)
When designing a socket, Certified Prosthetists have many decisions to make regarding the design of the socket shape and where to place the pressure on the individual’s limb in order to support their body weight through gait. The purpose of this pilot study was to gain objective knowledge about how a prosthetist modifies prosthetic sockets and how these adjustments influence pressure distributions within the socket. Two participants took part in this pilot study. They were fit with 3D printed sockets and their socket comfort and pressure distribution was monitored as adjustments were made to the socket.
Modifying Prosthetic Foot Parameters and Comparing Amputee-Dependent and Amputee-Independent Effects
Julian Hoch, BCIT MAKE+ Group & Barber Prosthetics Clinic
When choosing which prosthetic foot to choose for a patient, there are several factors to consider. This randomized, double-blinded study looked at the effects of modifying prosthetic foot parameters on gait parameters. The effects were studied by collecting both biomechanics data in a motion capture laboratory at BCIT as well as by using routine clinical data collection tools (including the 2 Minute Walk Test and G-Walk) and by gathering the participants’ subjective perception of the foot.
Clinical Perceptions on the Use of a Digital Outcome Measures Tool in P&O
P&O Students Anna Kruithof and Jasmine Slomp from BCIT
Students in the P&O program at BCIT recognized the need to have a digital tool in order to support the use of outcome measures in practice and Barber Prosthetics could not agree more! They conducted a Canada-wide survey and a focus group to delve into this topic.
Uncovering the effects of torsion adaptors on activities of daily living
P&O Student Brittany Pousett from BCIT
A pilot study conducted with two people with transtibial amputations found that the use of a torsion adaptor considerably decreased the axial moments by allowing increased axial rotation while completing a series of tasks of daily living.
Prosthetic sockets: Designing a system for thermal regulation
P&O Student Michael Prystai from BCIT
Studies have found that increased heat and sweat production in prosthetic sockets leads to decreased comfort for people with amputations. This study investigated the development of a user-friendly prosthetic integrated system that allowed the wearer to directly control the temperature at the skin-socket interface.
Navigating cross-slopes:
An evaluation of the split-keel prosthetic foot design
P&O Student Jenna Barnert from BCIT
This study compared the ability of a split-toe prosthetic foot to a solid-keel to adapt to a lateral incline and identified the resulting effects on the body. Between these two feet, there were no difference in level ground walking, however on slopes where the prosthesis was uphill, the results suggested the split-keel conformed better and was preferred by participants.