Comparative biomechanical analysis of a conventional/novel hip prosthetic socket.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the biomechanical properties of the conventional and novel hip prosthetic socket by using the finite element and gait analysis. According to the CT scan model of the subject's residual limb, the bones, soft tissues, and the socket model were reconstructed in three dimensions by using inverse modeling. The distribution of normal and shear stresses at the residual limb-socket interface under the standing condition was investigated using the finite element method and verified by designing a pressure acquisition module system. The gait experiment compared and analyzed the conventional and novel sockets. The results show that the simulation results are consistent with the experimental data. The novel socket exhibited superior stress performance and gait outcomes compared to the conventional design. Our findings provide a research basis for evaluating the comfort of the hip prosthetic socket, optimizing and designing the structure of the socket of the hip.