An approach for quantitative evaluation of transfemoral prosthesis socket by finite element analysis

Objective: The correct shaping of the socket for appropriate load distribution is a critical process in the design of lower limb prosthesis sockets. Several studies have been conducted to disclose these parameters; they can be divided into two methods: Experiment method and computation method. The finite element (FE) analysis has highly effective for study the interface pressure between the residual limb and socket. However, there is a little study focus on creating separate models of the socket and residual limb. Almost research using the same shape of socket and residual limb or using the unreal model of the socket. This study will be given some solutions for the above issues. Methods: The author creates two models of the residual limb: Same and different with the shape of the socket. After that, the FE models were generated with appropriate conditions of the donning process. The experimental procedure was conducted for comparison and discussion with the results of the simulation. Results: The results in case of different shape of socket and residual limb suggest that it is the better model for evaluating the interface pressure. Conclusions: The procedure developed through this work can be used by future researchers and prosthesis designers in understanding how to better design the socket and transfemoral prostheses.