Use of three-dimensional digital image correlation to evaluate mechanical response of prosthetic systems.
OBJECTIVE
The need of comfortable and safe prosthetic systems is an important challenge for both prosthetists and engineers. The aim of this technical note is to demonstrate the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation to evaluate mechanical response of two prosthetic systems under real patient dynamic loads.


METHODS
This note describes the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation method to obtain full-field strain and displacement measurements on the surface of two lower limb prostheses for Chopart amputation. It outlines key points of the measurement protocol and illustrates the analysis of critical regions using data obtained on specific points of interest.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation can be a tool for the prosthetist to optimize the prosthesis considering features related to the material and design, in order to bear with real patient-specific load conditions. Clinical relevance Three-dimensional digital image correlation can support decision-making on new designs and materials for prosthetics based on quantitative data. Better understanding of mechanical response could also assist prescription for appropriate prosthetic systems.
1 Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico.
Michelin
M
Alvarez-Camacho
2 Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
Victor
V
Alvarez-Guevara
1 Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico.
Carlos
C
Galvan Duque Gastelum
2 Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
Daniel
D
Flores Vazquez
1 Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico.
Gerardo
G
Rodriguez-Reyes
2 Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
Francisco Manuel
FM
Sanchez-Arevalo
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D055815:Young Adult
Prosthetics evaluation; dynamic load; lower limb prostheses; prosthetics design; strain analysis