A novel approach for assessing interfacial pressure between the prosthetic socket and the residual limb for below knee amputees using artificial neural networks

Authors: Amali, R., Noroozi, S., Vinney, J., Sewell, P. and Andrews, S.

Journal: Proceedings of the International Joint Conference on Neural Networks

Volume: 4

Pages: 2689-2693

Abstract:

So far the study of interfacial pressures between residual limb and the prosthetic socket has not led to the design of any useful tool that can assist the prosthetist fit a prosthesis. Researchers at the UWE Bristol have found a novel methodology that can revolutionise this process. It is based on the combined application of a hybrid numerical method and experimental/Finite Element Analysis (FEA) stress analysis. This paper represents part of the development process of this tool and discusses the step forward from two-dimensional analysis, discussed elsewhere [1], into a three-dimensional symmetrical shell analysis which, is intended to simulate a structured and ideal socket. The authors feel this is a logical step, which is necessary for understanding the relationship between surface stress/strain, and internal load, which causes those surface stresses. This paper emphasises the significance of this statement because it requires no knowledge of tissue properties.

Source: Scopus