Thixotropic Fluid Liners for Leg Prothesis Interface

Long-Term Objective: Determine effective and safe utilization of viscous thixotropic fluid liner(TFL) to solve ameliorate existing significant problems involving stump prothesis interface. Our TFLknowledge and present successful use in wheelchairs/hospital beds should allow similar effectivenessto this proposed interface application. Specific Objective Phase I: 1. Evaluate and optimize proposeddesign and testing methodology, gathering additional pilot data and utilizing different thicknesses of TFLon below-knee temporary protheses, based on recent uncontrolled tests; 2. Design and test functionalprototypes; 3. Conduct pilot study on ten subjects and 4. Develop enlarged Phase II design based on 1,2, and 3 above encompassing applicability to temporary/permanent/below knee/above-knee prothesiscombination to scientifically evaluate TFL effectiveness. Proposed preliminary Phase I design includes10 intensive case studies exploring feasibility of utilizing matched groups of subjects. Benefits: TFL isa self-adjusting, consistently uniform pressure system that will minimize pain/discomfort; pre-vent/minimize infection, edema, nerve sensitivity, ripping of sutures; decrease recovery time fromtemporary to definitive prosthesis; reduce healthcare costs; provide shearing relief to better preparestump for permanent prothesis; and will conform to bandages and dressings readily, while still providinga constant pressure on the stump.