Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Parametric Analysis Using The Finite Element Method To Investigate Prosthetic Interface Stresses For Persons With Trans-Tibial Amputation, Barbara Silver-Thorn, Dudley S. Childress

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

A finite element (FE) model of the below-knee residual limb and prosthetic socket was created to investigate the effects of parameter variations on the interface stress distribution during static stance. This model was based upon geometric approximations of anthropometric residual limb geometry. The model was not specific to an individual with amputation, but could be scaled to approximate the limb of a particular subject. Parametric analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of prosthetic socket design and residual limb geometry on the residual limb/prosthetic socket interface stresses. Behavioral trends were illustrated via sensitivity analysis.

The results of the parametric analyses …

A Review Of Prosthetic Interface Stress Investigations, Barbara Silver-Thorn, John W. Steege, Dudley S. Childress

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Over the last decade, numerous experimental and numerical analyses have been conducted to investigate the stress distribution between the residual limb and prosthetic socket of persons with lower limb amputation. The objectives of these analyses have been to improve our understanding of the residual limb/prosthetic socket system, to evaluate the influence of prosthetic design parameters and alignment variations on the interface stress distribution, and to evaluate prosthetic fit. The purpose of this paper is to summarize these experimental investigations and identify associated limitations. In addition, this paper presents an overview of various computer models used to investigate the residual limb …