title: Clinical implication of interface pressure for a new prosthetic suspension system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prosthesis suspension systems can alter the distribution of pressure within the prosthetic socket. This study evaluates a new suspension system for lower limb prostheses, and aims to compare the interface pressure and amputees' satisfaction with the new system compared with a common prosthetic suspension system (pin/lock).
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten transtibial amputees walked at a self-selected speed on a level ground with two different suspension systems, namely the pin/lock and HOLO system. The interface pressure was measured using the F-socket transducers at the proximal, middle and distal sites of residual limb. Furthermore, subjective feedback was logged to compare two systems.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pressure was significantly higher at the proximal and distal areas with the pin/lock suspension system during the swing phase of gait (P<0.05). Subjective feedback also showed traction at the stump with the pin/lock system. There were no significant differences in the pressure applied to the mid-anterior and mid posterior stump for both suspension systems. However, the lateral and medial sides exhibited higher pressure with the new system during stance phase.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intention of this study was to deepen understanding on the effect of suspension system on the load distribution over the residual limb. The new coupling system was proved compatible with the pin/lock system in terms of suspending the leg and amputee's satisfaction. On the other hand, the HOLO system could distribute the pressure more uniformly over the residual limb.
authors: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. gholizadeh@um.edu.my.
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Gholizadeh
authors: Noor Azuan Abu
authors: NA
authors: Osman
authors: Arezoo
authors: A
authors: Eshraghi
authors: Nasrul Anuar
authors: NA
authors: Abd Razak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D055815:Young Adult