title: Northwestern University Flexible Subischial Vacuum Socket for persons with transfemoral amputation: Part 2 Description and Preliminary evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Current transfemoral prosthetic sockets are problematic as they restrict function, lack comfort, and cause residual limb problems. Development of a subischial socket with lower proximal trim lines is an appealing way to address this problem and may contribute to improving quality of life of persons with transfemoral amputation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to illustrate the use of a new subischial socket in two subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two unilateral transfemoral prosthesis users participated in preliminary socket evaluations comparing functional performance of the new subischial socket to ischial containment sockets. Testing included gait analysis, socket comfort score, and performance-based clinical outcome measures (Rapid-Sit-To-Stand, Four-Square-Step-Test, and Agility T-Test).
  
  
  RESULTS
  For both subjects, comfort was better in the subischial socket, while gait and clinical outcomes were generally comparable between sockets.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While these evaluations are promising regarding the ability to function in this new socket design, more definitive evaluation is needed. Clinical relevance Using gait analysis, socket comfort score and performance-based outcome measures, use of the Northwestern University Flexible Subischial Vaccum Socket was evaluated in two transfemoral prosthesis users. Socket comfort improved for both subjects with comparable function compared to ischial containment sockets.
authors.affiliation: 1 Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fatone
authors.affiliation: 1 Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center, Chicago, IL, USA.|2 Scheck & Siress, Schaumburg, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Caldwell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000672:Amputation Stumps; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D005269:Femur; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014618:Vacuum; D016474:Weight-Bearing
keywords: Artificial limb; gait; prosthetic socket; transfemoral amputation