A study of interface pressures in the below-knee prosthesis (physiological suspension: an interim report).

Since its inception, the Prosthetics Research Study has attempted to maximize retention and stabilization of residual limb musculature in the below-knee amputation . Combined with myoplastic technique, Immediate Postoperative Prosthetic fitting, training of residual limb muscles, and an appropriate definitive prosthesis, an effective, functional end organ is achieved. Clinical observation has shown that certain below-knee amputees are able to utilize their prostheses without built-in suspension (such as the PTS) or auxiliary suspension . It was hypothesized that strength and muscle development in the residual limb would facilitate prosthetic suspension. The present report provides a detailed investigation of certain parameters of muscle activity and pressure relationships within prosthetic sockets ; a preliminary report has been previously published (1) . A