Evaluation of the advantages of custom transtibial sockets printed with a 3D printer compared to sockets prepared with classical methods
Project no. 23826 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2023
Summary
<p>The research aims to evaluate the feasibility of the transtibial socket design to be used in below-knee amputations with a 3D printer. The stumps (remaining body parts) of 10 people who have previously undergone below-knee amputations and currently use prostheses will be scanned in 3D and this data will be used as a reference for the modeling to be done. The images of the person will be converted to a format suitable for 3D modeling programs (SLT- STereoLithography file format).</p><p>A total contact socket model design will be created by making adjustments in the modeling program. The created design will then be printed with a 3D printer. When the research is completed, it will be shown that the preparation time of the socket with this method is much shorter than with classical methods. It will accelerate the adaptation period of the patient to life with a socket specific to him/her.</p><p>The personalized socket models obtained from the 3D printer will be replaced with the socket model currently used by the volunteers participating in the study and the movement compatibility will be evaluated. A separate socket will be produced for each volunteer, and each socket will be used for 1 month, and a rehabilitation program will be applied to the person in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the sockets during this month. The rehabilitation content will progress in the form of gradual mobilization, and walking analyses and balance assessments will also be performed. The durability and functionality of the sockets will be examined during the process. At the same time, the satisfaction of the volunteers regarding the socket-stump fit will be evaluated with a survey. As a result, our goal is to ensure that patients with limb loss can use sockets that are personalized and much more economical. This project aims to continue the opportunity for patients to become healthy individuals within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, to protect the health of individuals in society, and to keep the individual's quality of life high. We believe that it will have a positive impact on reducing inequalities that disadvantageous situations such as disability and disability may create.</p>