Socket Diagnostic Tool Innovation for Upper Extremity Prostheses

In recent years, prosthetic design has made great progress implementing robotics to enhance prosthetic performance and amputee quality of life. With increased functionalities and the added weight of robotic arms, a better fitting and more comfortable socket to interface with the residual limb is needed. ADA Technologies, in collaboration with PPS and Lake Prosthetics proposes to continue the development of a dynamic pressure based fit diagnostic system for enhancing interface design and socket fitment. A preliminary system was successfully demonstrated in Phase I. In Phase II, the primary goal is to demonstrate the benefits of using a customized pressure sensor installed in live patient sockets to guide upper limb prosthetists during the fitment process. However the envisioned diagnostic solution goes beyond the traditional consultation by providing continuous pressure data over several days to the prosthetist. That dynamic pressure data stream will allow the prosthetist to immediately address comfort issues and update the socket accordingly. The final step in this novel fitment process solution is the 3D printing of the improved sockets. The proposed project threads together sensorized upper limb sockets, innovative software development and 3D printing to tackle the key challenges of subjective socket fit and inefficient, labor-intensive socket manufacturing.