Quantifying Bone and Skin Movement in the Residual Limb of Individuals With Transtibial Amputation Using Dynamic Stereo X-Ray

Study Summary

Individuals with lower extremity amputation are often challenged by complications that arise from poor prosthetic fit, including movement of the residual limb in the socket, known as pistoning. Pistoning can lead to gait instability, skin problems, and pain. Different prosthetic suspension systems have been developed to decrease this motion, including elevated vacuum suspension, which utilizes a pump to draw air from the socket. However, scientific analyses to understand the movement between the limb and socket have yet to be performed with a high level of accuracy. This study will use a state-of-the art imaging technique, known as dynamic stereo x-ray, to quantify the 3D movement of the residual limb in the socket. It is hypothesized that dynamic stereo x-ray will be a sensitive method to measure differences in residual limb movement between 2 different socket suspension techniques: suction and elevated vacuum suspension. This information is critical for advancing prosthetic treatments to reduce secondary conditions and degenerative changes that result from poor prosthetic fit.

Primary Outcome

To evaluate the 6 degree of freedom kinematics of the residual limb within the socket, participants with transtibial amputation will walk on a treadmill at a self-selected speed, at a speed 10% faster than their self-selected speed, and also perform a step-down task from an 18 cm high platform. These movement tasks will be completed under 2 conditions: with the elevated suspension active and with the elevated system inactive (traditional suction). Up to 4 trials of dynamic stereo x-ray will be c

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DEVICE Suction Suspension First
• DEVICE Elevated Vacuum Suspension First

Study Locations (1)