A novel approach for assessing interfacial pressure between the prosthetic socket and the residual limb for below knee amputees using artificial neural networks

So far the study of interfacial pressures between residual limb and the prosthetic socket has not led to the design of any useful tool that can assist the prosthetist to fit a prosthesis. Researchers at the UWE Bristol have found a novel methodology that can revolutionise this process. It is based on the combined application of a hybrid numerical method and experimental finite element analysis for stress analysis. This paper represents part of the development process of this tool and discusses the step forward from a two-dimensional analysis, discussed previously (2000), into a 3D symmetrical shell analysis which is intended to simulate a structured and ideal socket. The authors feel this is a logical step, which is necessary for understanding the relationship between surface stress/strain, and internal load, which causes those surface stresses. This paper emphasises the significance of this statement because it requires no knowledge of tissue properties.