THE HYBRID SUBISCHIAL SOCKET FOR PERSONS WITH TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTATION: GAIT PARAMETERS AND CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF A CASE SERIES

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The subischial socket interface design is a promising new shape of socket for persons with transfemoral amputation. Typically, the proximal trim line is located distal to the ischial tuberosity, improving comfort in prosthetic users without interfering with gait parameters compared to Ischial Containment Socket (ICS). No studies have investigated the performances of a subischial sockets with suction suspension system. A new subischial socket (Hybrid Subischial Socket - HySS) combined with a hypobaric passive suspension system has been recently developed. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of HySS in terms of comfort, hip range-of-motion and gait parameters. METHODOLOGY: Three persons with transfemoral amputation were tested first using their usual ICS and then after one month of continuous use of HySS. FINDINGS: The following parameters improved in all participants using HySS: 1) hip range-of-motion, 2) walking speed and distance, 3) Timed-Up-and-Go-Test time, 4) stride length, 5) double support duration, 6) peak value of hip extension during stance, 7) satisfaction with the prosthesis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the use of HySS could allow improvements for prosthetic use. Layman’s Abstract This case series describes the effects of a subischial socket combined with a hypobaric suction suspension system for persons with transfemoral amputation. This socket has the proximal trim line located distally to the ischial tuberosity and it does not interact with the pelvis. The results have shown that this socket may improve the overall prosthetic comfort, hip range of motion and some gait parameters compared to the conventional ischial containment socket. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/36252/28095 How To Cite: Pellegrini R, Denza G, Brunelli S, Zenardi D, Imperio M, Vannozzi G, Traballesi M. The hybrid subischial socket for persons with transfemoral amputation: gait parameters and clinical assessment of a case series. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2021;Volume 4, Issue 1, No.9. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v4i1.36252 Corresponding Author: Stefano Brunelli, MD Fondazione Santa Lucia, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, Rome, Italy. E-Mail: s.brunelli@hsantalucia.it ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5986-1564