Work

Retracting Locking-Pin Mechanism That Allows Partial Prosthetic Socket Doffing during Sitting

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Introduction The purpose of this research was to develop a retractable tethered pin system to facilitate partial doffing and redonning of prosthetic sockets with locking-pin suspension. Materials and Methods The system included a tethered cord that extended from a retracting mechanism on the pylon through the shuttle lock to a clip at the bottom of the locking pin. The mechanism operated similarly to a seatbelt retractor, applying low-level tension unless the user made a rapid pull on the tether to lock the mechanism. Results Evaluation tests on four people with limb loss demonstrated that users liked the retracting mechanism and its capability to facilitate partial doffing and redonning. However, participants reported that the clip used to connect the mechanism to the locking pin worsened initial donning and final doffing of the socket. Conclusions Modifications to the retractable tethered pin system design may overcome limitations and result in an easy and effective accommodation technology for people with transtibial amputation.

Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics

DOI: 10.1097/jpo.0000000000000178

Authors: Mark D. Goldstein, John C. Cagle, Brian J. Hafner, Katheryn J. Allyn, Joan E. Sanders

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development