Socket interface pressures, socket discomfort and gait characteristics of below-knee amputees

Abstract

The relations between tissue quality, socket discomfort, gait characteristics, and socket pressures are not well established for the unilateral below-knee amputee population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these relations for six amputees. Tissue sensation and socket discomfort were evaluated at 17 regions of interest on the residual limb. Gait characteristics and socket pressures were compared across three walking speeds, and three different testing days. There were no direct relations between tissue sensation, socket discomfort, and socket pressures. Socket pressures were highly variable from day to day, while gait patterns were fairly consistent. Peak dynamic socket pressures were not directly related to peak joint moments. However, increases in ground reaction forces (GRFs) related to increases in socket pressures at some regions of the limb. In addition, the timing of peak vertical GRFs corresponded to the timing of peak socket pressures at some regions of the limb.