Transfemoral Prostheses: Importance of Proper Fitting and Materials for Socket 3D-Printing

Abstract

Lower limb prostheses can replace missing parts of the body and improve a patient's quality of life. The individual design and manufacture of a prosthesis is particularly beneficial for the wearer. The 3D printing technique can be used to make prosthesis sockets from recycled polyamide powder (PA2200), but the mechanical properties of these printed materials have not been studied in detail. Tensile and bending tests were performed, and the results obtained did not show statistically significant differences between these materials. An improperly fitted prosthesis affects the biomechanics of gait. Posture and gait analysis of a person wearing a prosthesis was performed using the “Qualisys”, "AMTI" force plates, and “Zebris” systems, and the results showed differences between the prosthetic and the healthy leg.