Temperature measurement and control system for transtibial prostheses: Functional evaluation

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of heat inside the prosthetic socket increases skin temperature and fosters perspiration, which consequently leads to high tissue stress, friction blister, discomfort, unpleasant odor, and decreased prosthesis suspension and use. In the present study, the prototype of a temperature measurement and control (TM&C) system was designed, fabricated, and functionally evaluated in a phantom model of the transtibial prosthetic socket. The TM&C system was comprised of 12 thermistors divided equally into two groups that arranged internal and external to a prosthetic silicone liner. Its control system was programmed to select the required heating or cooling function of a thermal pump to provide thermal equilibrium based on the amount of temperature difference from a defined set temperature, or the amount of difference between the mean temperature recorded by inside and outside thermistors. A thin layer of aluminum was used for thermal conduction between the thermal pump and different sites around the silicone liner. The results showed functionality of the TM&C system for thermoregulation inside the prosthetic socket. However, enhancing the structure of this TM&C system, increasing its thermal power, and decreasing its weight and cost are main priorities before further development.

KEYWORDS:

• heat
• perspiration
• prosthetic socket
• residual limb
• skin
• thermoregulatory system
• transtibial amputation

Author contributions

The contribution of authors was as follows: study concept and design: K. Ghoseiri, Y. P. Zheng, A. K. L. Leung, and M. R. Safari; acquisition of data: K. Ghoseiri, Y. P. Zheng, and T. H. Lee; analysis and interpretation of data: K. Ghoseiri, Y. P. Zheng, T. H. Lee, and M. Rahgozar; and drafting of manuscript: K. Ghoseiri, Y. P. Zheng, T. H. Lee, G. R. Aminian, A. K. L. Leung, and M. R. Safari.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank two PolyU artisans, Mr. Ho Yip Li and Mr. Hung Yu Chow, for their assistance in fabrication of phantom prosthetic socket. Moreover, the authors would like to express gratitude to ST&G Corporation for its donation of silicone liners.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicting interests to declare.

Funding

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University supported all expenses of functional evaluation. Moreover, The ST&G Corporation, South Korea, has donated silicone liners for functional evaluation. The authors received no more support for conduction of this study.

Additional information

Funding

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University supported all expenses of functional evaluation. Moreover, The ST&G Corporation, South Korea, has donated silicone liners for functional evaluation. The authors received no more support for conduction of this study.