Quick fabrication of 3D-printed prosthetic sockets with embedded sensors to track limb motion.

INTRODUCTION

A simple time-efficient method to fabricate prosthetic sockets with embedded sensors to track limb motion may facilitate the clinical application of continuously collected quantitative data in prosthetics practice.

METHODS

A 3D-printed inner structure of the socket shape with debosses on the outside surface to hold sensors was fabricated, the sensors were affixed in place, and the socket was laminated and trimmed.

RESULTS

The time to fabricate an embedded sensor socket was 12% less than that required to fabricate a traditional carbon-fiber socket with sensors. The investigational sockets increased in volume slightly, <0.2%, over the course of 4 weeks of take-home use, likely because of compression of the inner structure material during ambulation. Sockets with a vapor-smoothed finish had a significantly lower coefficient of friction (COF) with the liner fabric backing than sockets with a normal surface finish (P < 0.01), though participant preference for the lower COF socket was mixed.

DISCUSSION: The speed, quality, and durability of the investigational sockets warrant clinical studies to determine which quantitative limb motion metrics (e.g., pistoning, volume, anterior distal motion) help prosthetists meaningfully enhance their patient care.