A simple, low cost method of producing a prosthetic socket for trans-tibial amputees

The hydrostatic tank system, using the concept of uniform pressure distribution at the stump/socket interface was used to produce sockets which were compared with standard Patellar Tendon Bearing (PTB) sockets. Sockets containing machined metal inserts were manufactured using standard laminating techniques. Patellar tendon (PT) transducer, Entran-based device, Normal/shear stress transducer and Electrohydraulic sensors were used to measure the stump/socket interface stresses. The results show that the interface pressure distribution of the hydrocast socket was more uniform compared to that of the PTB socket.