Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Intern student, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
2
Intern student, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
3
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
4
Department of Allied Health and Kinesiology, School of Health Sciences, Hofstra University, NY, USA
10.21608/iptccu.2025.440766
Abstract
Background: patients who live in countries with limited resources who have lower limb amputations with limb volume fluctuation usually encounter hardships affording adjustable prosthetic sockets due to high costs.
Purpose: the main purpose of this pilot study was to manufacture and test an adjustable socket with a modified 3D printed reel-based system for patients with limb volume fluctuation after transtibial amputation.
Materials and methods: This study followed a single-subject case study design to evaluate the performance of a newly developed adjustable prosthetic socket. A prefabricated adjustable socket with a modified 3D printed reel-based system was tested on one patient with transtibial amputation due to diabetic ulcer. Testing was also performed during various activities of daily living assessed using the patients-specific functional scale, lower extremity functional index, global rating of change questionnaires.
Results: a satisfactory result from the questionnaires, indicated that the new socket with its modifications can be used as an alternative affordable tool for patients with limb volume fluctuation undergone a transtibial amputation., and the patient indicated that he did not have to change or adjust socket suspension system when limb volume changes, rather it was comfortable.
Conclusion: although cause and effect cannot be drawn from the pilot study, the promising result found in this study warrants further testing to validate or invalidate the use of the new device.
The new socket can reduce the need for manufacturing a new socket to accommodate the new limb volume, saving money and resources.
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