Predictive prosthetic socket design: part 1—population-based evaluation of transtibial prosthetic sockets by FEA-driven surrogate modelling

• DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01195-5
• Publication Date: 2019-06-29T18:10:11Z
• Authors: J. W. Steer; P. R. Worsley; M. Browne; A. S. Dickinson
• Keywords: Solver

It has been proposed that finite element analysis can complement clinical decision making for the appropriate design and manufacture of prosthetic sockets amputees. However, translation not achieved, in part due to lengthy solver times complexity involved model development. In this study, a parametric was created, informed by variation (i) population-driven residuum shape morphology, (ii) soft tissue compliance (iii) socket design. A Kriging surrogate fitted response analyses across space enabling prediction new residual limb morphologies designs. predicted morphological variability had substantial effect on socket-limb interfacial pressure shear conditions as well sub-dermal strains. These relationships were investigated with higher resolution anatomical, surgical than previously reported, reduction computational expense six orders magnitude. This enabled real-time predictions (1.6 ms) error vs analytical solutions < 4 kPa at tip, 3% strain. As such, framework represents step towards implementation prosthetics clinic.