title: Interface stress in socket/residual limb with transtibial prosthetic suspension systems during locomotion on slopes and stairs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to compare the effects of different suspension methods on the interface stress inside the prosthetic sockets of transtibial amputees when negotiating ramps and stairs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three transtibial prostheses, with a pin/lock system, a Seal-In system, and a magnetic suspension system, were created for the participants in a prospective study. Interface stress was measured as the peak pressure by using the F-socket transducers during stairs and ramp negotiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve individuals with transtibial amputation managed to complete the experiments. During the stair ascent and descent, the greatest peak pressure was observed in the prosthesis with the Seal-In system. The magnetic prosthetic suspension system caused significantly different peak pressure at the anterior proximal region compared with the pin/lock (P = 0.022) and Seal-In (P = 0.001) during the stair ascent. It was also observed during the stair descent and ramp negotiation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prostheses exhibited varying pressure profiles during the stair and ramp ascent. The prostheses with the pin/lock and magnetic suspension systems exhibited lower peak pressures compared with the Seal-In system. The intrasystem pressure distribution at the anterior and posterior regions of the residual limb was fairly homogenous during the stair and ramp ascent and descent. Nevertheless, the intrasystem pressure mapping revealed a significant difference among the suspension types, particularly at the anterior and posterior sensor sites.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Arezoo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eshraghi
authors.forename: Noor Azuan
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Abu Osman
authors.forename: Hossien
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gholizadeh
authors.forename: Sadeeq
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Wan Abu Bakar Wan
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Abas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013977:Tibia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing