Design and optimization of a 3D printed prosthetic socket for transtibial amputees

Abstract

Globally, amputee cases increase due to dysvascular diseases or locomotive impairments, and 5% use prosthetic sockets. The conventional prosthetic sockets were fabricated and commercialized successfully. However, amputee comfortness is still challenging because of the rigid material and non-thermoregulatory system. Subsequently, that leads to irritations, wounds, macerations, and ulcerations. To overcome these challenges, and in this current work, 3D printing technology has been used to fabricate the prosthetic socket. 3D printing technology is a disruptive technology used to fabricate highly intricate structures. Firstly, 2D image data through the CT scan / MRI scan tomography was generated and converted into 3D modelling using CAD software. Secondly, it focused on the design and optimization using the novel approach of modifying lattice structure. The simulation was performed on a simple cubic structure by optimizing the lattice arm's size (length and diameter) using the material properties of the Polyamide (PA-12). Further, Ogden criteria were used for the simulation of a residual limb using ANSYS. The simulation result generated the optimized lattice structure with different stiffness is presented here. © 2022