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Paternò L, Truppa L, Ibrahimi M, Rosini E, Gruppioni E, Ricotti L, Menciassi A. Quantitative analysis of interface pressures in transfemoral prosthetic sockets. Prosthet Orthot Int 2024; 48:176-183. [PMID: 37379468 PMCID: PMC11005673 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the different factors affecting socket comfort, the pressure applied on residual limb tissues is a crucial parameter for the success or failure of any prosthetic device. However, only a few incomplete data are available on people with transfemoral amputation, in this regard. This work aims at filling this gap in the literature. METHODS Ten people with transfemoral amputation wearing 3 different socket designs were recruited in this study: 2 ischial containment sockets featured by proximal trim lines that contain the ischial tuberosity and ramus and greater trochanter, 2 subischial sockets with proximal trim lines under the ischium level, and 6 quadrilateral sockets with proximal trim lines that contain the greater trochanter and create a horizontal seat for the ischial tuberosity. The pressure values at the anterior, lateral, posterior, and medial areas of the socket interface were recorded during 5 locomotion tasks (ie, horizontal, ascent, and descent walking, upstairs and downstairs) by using an F-Socket System (Tekscan Inc., Boston, MA). Gait segmentation was performed by exploiting plantar pressure, which was acquired by an additional sensor under the foot. Mean and standard deviation of minimum and maximum values were calculated for each interface area, locomotion task, and socket design. The mean pressure patterns during different locomotion tasks were reported, as well. RESULTS Considering all subjects irrespective of socket design, the mean pressure range resulted 45.3 (posterior)-106.7 (posterior) kPa in horizontal walking; 48.3 (posterior)-113.8 (posterior) kPa in ascent walking; 50.8 (posterior)-105.7 (posterior) kPa in descent walking; 47.9 (posterior)-102.9 (lateral) kPa during upstairs; and 41.8 (posterior)-84.5 (anterior) kPa during downstairs. Qualitative differences in socket designs have been found. CONCLUSIONS These data allow for a comprehensive analysis of pressures acting at the tissue-socket interface in people with transfemoral amputation, thus offering essential information for the design of novel solutions or to improve existing ones, in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Paternò
- The BioRobotics Institute—Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luigi Truppa
- The BioRobotics Institute—Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Ibrahimi
- The BioRobotics Institute—Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Rosini
- The BioRobotics Institute—Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Ricotti
- The BioRobotics Institute—Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arianna Menciassi
- The BioRobotics Institute—Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
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Gavette H, McDonald CL, Kostick-Quenet K, Mullen A, Najafi B, Finco MG. Advances in prosthetic technology: a perspective on ethical considerations for development and clinical translation. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 4:1335966. [PMID: 38293290 PMCID: PMC10824968 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1335966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Technological advancements of prostheses in recent years, such as haptic feedback, active power, and machine learning for prosthetic control, have opened new doors for improved functioning, satisfaction, and overall quality of life. However, little attention has been paid to ethical considerations surrounding the development and translation of prosthetic technologies into clinical practice. This article, based on current literature, presents perspectives surrounding ethical considerations from the authors' multidisciplinary views as prosthetists (HG, AM, CLM, MGF), as well as combined research experience working directly with people using prostheses (AM, CLM, MGF), wearable technologies for rehabilitation (MGF, BN), machine learning and artificial intelligence (BN, KKQ), and ethics of advanced technologies (KKQ). The target audience for this article includes developers, manufacturers, and researchers of prosthetic devices and related technology. We present several ethical considerations for current advances in prosthetic technology, as well as topics for future research, that may inform product and policy decisions and positively influence the lives of those who can benefit from advances in prosthetic technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Gavette
- Orthotics and Prosthetics Program, School of Health Professions, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cody L. McDonald
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kristin Kostick-Quenet
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ashley Mullen
- Orthotics and Prosthetics Program, School of Health Professions, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance Lab (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - M. G. Finco
- Orthotics and Prosthetics Program, School of Health Professions, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance Lab (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Puliti M, Driessen J, Vitale N, Tessari F, Traverso S, Laffranchi M, De Michieli L, Shtrepi L. Use of Metamaterials to Reduce Acoustic Noise Emissions from Lower Limb Prostheses: An Experimental Validation. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2023; 2023:1-6. [PMID: 37941189 DOI: 10.1109/icorr58425.2023.10304769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent human-centred design studies suggest that acoustic noise could affect the physical use and psychological acceptance of a biomedical device. These aspects are especially relevant in the prosthetic field, in which device loudness is often related to rejection. The aim of the study is to inquire on the possibility to reduce the acoustic noise emitted by a robotic leg prosthesis by improving its casing. First, acoustic noise emissions are characterized experimentally using an anechoic chamber, both for the whole prosthesis, and for its actuator (i.e., noise source) in isolation. The characterizations show that the whole prosthesis including its casing amplify the actuator noise, and that noise emissions are concentrated within a certain frequency range. Based on these findings, the prosthesis casing has been redesigned to include a panel of Helmholtz resonator-based acoustic metamaterials as proof of concept, which attenuate respective noise emissions. Experimental validations show that the use of such metamaterials in the prosthesis casing can significantly reduce noise emissions without compromising on prosthesis size and weight.
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Galteri G, Cristofolini L. In vitro and in silico methods for the biomechanical assessment of osseointegrated transfemoral prostheses: a systematic review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1237919. [PMID: 37662439 PMCID: PMC10469938 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1237919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The amputee population according to the World-Health-Organization is about 40 million. However, there is a high abandon rate of socket prostheses for the lower limb (25%-57%). The direct connection between the external prosthesis and the patient's bone makes osseointegrated prostheses for transfemoral amputees advantageous (e.g., improvement of the motor control) compared to socket prostheses, which are currently the gold standard. However, similarly to other uncemented prostheses, the osseointegrated ones are at risk of aseptic loosening and adverse bone remodelling caused by stress-shielding. The preclinical assessment of these prostheses has already been evaluated using different methods which did not provide unanimous and comparable evidence. To compare data from different investigations, a clear and detailed overview of the methods used to assess the performance is necessary. In this review 17 studies investigating the primary stability, stress shielding and stress concentration of osseointegrated transfemoral prostheses are examined. Primary stability consists in the biomechanical stability upon implant insertion. Primary stability is assessed measuring extraction force (either with a pull-out or a push-out test) and micromotion at the interface between the implant and the host bone with LVDT (in vitro test) or numerical models. Stress-shielding causes adaptive changes in the bone density around metal implants, and thus in the bone strength and stiffness. Stress-shielding is assessed with strain gauges or numerical models measuring the load transfer and the strain distribution on the surface of the femur, and between the implant and the bone respectively. Stress concentration can lead to the formation of cracks inside the bone, resulting in fractures. The stress concentration is assessed measuring the load transfer and the strain energy density at the interface between the implant and the bone, using numerical models. As a result, a global view and consensus about the methods are missing from all these tests. Indeed, different setup and loading scenario were used in the in vitro test, while different model parameters (e.g., bone properties) were used in the numerical models. Once the preclinical assessment method is established, it would be important to define thresholds and acceptance criteria for each of the possible failure scenarios investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Cristofolini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering and Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Chao TC, Wang SH, Chen YC, Li TY. Successful transfemoral prosthesis in a patient with haemophilia A and factor VIII inhibitors: A case report. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231195446. [PMID: 37646621 PMCID: PMC10469231 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231195446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemophilia A patients who develop factor VIII inhibitors pose a challenge with respect to bleeding and orthopaedic management. This is particularly relevant in cases requiring amputation. We present here a case of a patient with severe haemophilia A and inhibitors who had a history of multiple surgeries due to periprosthetic joint infection and a non-healing wound which led to above-knee amputation. Following the implementation of appropriate and suitable transfemoral prosthesis and emicizumab therapy, the patient experienced a significant improvement in mobility and quality of life without any adverse events or bleeding episodes. Additional studies are required to more fully understand treatment options for lower limb amputations in the haemophilia population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Chung Chao
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Haemophilia Care and Research Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yeu-Chin Chen
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Haemophilia Care and Research Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ying Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Haemophilia Care and Research Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Rasheed F, Martin S, Tse KM. Design, Kinematics and Gait Analysis, of Prosthetic Knee Joints: A Systematic Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:773. [PMID: 37508800 PMCID: PMC10376202 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review article is to appraise the design and functionality of above-knee prosthetic legs. So far, various transfemoral prosthetic legs are found to offer a stable gait to amputees but are limited to laboratories. The commercially available prosthetic legs are not reliable and comfortable enough to satisfy amputees. There is a dire need for creating a powered prosthetic knee joint that could address amputees' requirements. To pinpoint the gap in transfemoral prosthetic legs, prosthetic knee unit model designs, control frameworks, kinematics, and gait evaluations are concentrated. Ambulation exercises, ground-level walking, running, and slope walking are considered to help identify research gaps and areas where existing prostheses can be ameliorated. The results show that above-knee amputees can more effectively manage their issues with the aid of an active prosthesis, capable of reliable gait. To accomplish the necessary control, closed loop controllers and volitional control are integral parts. Future studies should consider designing a transfemoral electromechanical prosthesis based on electromyographic (EMG) signals to better predict the amputee's intent and control in accordance with that intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Rasheed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, 3122 Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne Martin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, 3011 Victoria, Australia
| | - Kwong Ming Tse
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, 3122 Victoria, Australia
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Lathouwers E, Díaz MA, Maricot A, Tassignon B, Cherelle C, Cherelle P, Meeusen R, De Pauw K. Therapeutic benefits of lower limb prostheses: a systematic review. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:4. [PMID: 36639655 PMCID: PMC9840272 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01128-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhancing the quality of life of people with a lower limb amputation is critical in prosthetic development and rehabilitation. Yet, no overview is available concerning the impact of passive, quasi-passive and active ankle-foot prostheses on quality of life. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the therapeutic benefits of performing daily activities with passive, quasi-passive and active ankle-foot prostheses in people with a lower limb amputation. METHODS We searched the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Pedro databases, and backward citations until November 3, 2021. Only English-written randomised controlled trials, cross-sectional, cross-over and cohort studies were included when the population comprised individuals with a unilateral transfemoral or transtibial amputation, wearing passive, quasi-passive or active ankle-foot prostheses. The intervention and outcome measures had to include any aspect of quality of life assessed while performing daily activities. We synthesised the participants' characteristics, type of prosthesis, intervention, outcome and main results, and conducted risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42021290189. RESULTS We identified 4281 records and included 34 studies in total. Results indicate that quasi-passive and active prostheses are favoured over passive prostheses based on biomechanical, physiological, performance and subjective measures in the short-term. All studies had a moderate or high risk of bias. CONCLUSION Compared to passive ankle-foot prostheses, quasi-passive and active prostheses significantly enhance the quality of life. Future research should investigate the long-term therapeutic benefits of prosthetics devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Lathouwers
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Brussels Human Robotics Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - María Alejandra Díaz
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Brussels Human Robotics Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Maricot
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Tassignon
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Romain Meeusen
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Brussels Human Robotics Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. .,Brussels Human Robotics Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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A review of user needs to drive the development of lower limb prostheses. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:119. [PMCID: PMC9636812 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The development of bionic legs has seen substantial improvements in the past years but people with lower-limb amputation still suffer from impairments in mobility (e.g., altered balance and gait control) due to significant limitations of the contemporary prostheses. Approaching the problem from a human-centered perspective by focusing on user-specific needs can allow identifying critical improvements that can increase the quality of life. While there are several reviews of user needs regarding upper limb prostheses, a comprehensive summary of such needs for those affected by lower limb loss does not exist.
Methods
We have conducted a systematic review of the literature to extract important needs of the users of lower-limb prostheses. The review included 56 articles in which a need (desire, wish) was reported explicitly by the recruited people with lower limb amputation (N = 8149).
Results
An exhaustive list of user needs was collected and subdivided into functional, psychological, cognitive, ergonomics, and other domain. Where appropriate, we have also briefly discussed the developments in prosthetic devices that are related to or could have an impact on those needs. In summary, the users would like to lead an independent life and reintegrate into society by coming back to work and participating in social and leisure activities. Efficient, versatile, and stable gait, but also support to other activities (e.g., sit to stand), contribute to safety and confidence, while appearance and comfort are important for the body image. However, the relation between specific needs, objective measures of performance, and overall satisfaction and quality of life is still an open question.
Conclusions
Identifying user needs is a critical step for the development of new generation lower limb prostheses that aim to improve the quality of life of their users. However, this is not a simple task, as the needs interact with each other and depend on multiple factors (e.g., mobility level, age, gender), while evolving in time with the use of the device. Hence, novel assessment methods are required that can evaluate the impact of the system from a holistic perspective, capturing objective outcomes but also overall user experience and satisfaction in the relevant environment (daily life).
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