Improving Prosthetic Arms for Amputee: A Better Fit and More Functionality
The Advancement of a New Variable-Compliance Socket and Frame System for Transradial Amputees to Optimize Socket Fit and Upper Limb Function
VA Office of Research and Development
25 participants
Jun 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This research and development will improve upon and investigate the potential validity of an innovative new transradial socket and harness design (the KSH system) that offers an alternative to standard hard sockets and rubber liners with a hybrid polymer and textile-based design derived from advanced athletic shoe technology. The project consists of designing, custom fitting and evaluating the function and comfort of the this new novel system. The study will take place in 3 phases; Phase 1, five experienced Veterans with transradial arm amputations will be recruited to provide guidance and to assist with the design and development. Experienced end-user Veterans and Clinical staff will work together to assist with design, develop the fitting process and working with engineers on the design of a completely digital fitting device for measuring the residual limb and locating bony prominences of the limb to inform the socket design. Phase 2, testing and assessment, the design and process validation will take place with the five Veteran upper transradial arm amputees Phase 3, an additional 20 Veterans with transradial arm amputations will be recruited and fit with the KSH system and undergo a series of evaluative tests. Veterans will perform a series of static and dynamic tasks to evaluate function, comfort and load bearing failure. The primary goal of this study is to improve upon the current preliminary prototype and to test it with a broader population of potential users to help advance the engineering and design, and to learn the potential to fit a range of Veterans with transradial amputations.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Unilateral transradial arm amputation
- Possession of a functioning and wearable previously fit prosthetic arm of any type
- Residual limb length of at least 4 inches from the lateral epicondyle to the distal tip
- Residual limb length less than or equal to that allowing a clearance of 1.5 inches from a fitted wrist
- Must have at least 5-years of prosthetic use experience (For Phase 1 \& 2)
- Must have at least 1-year of prosthetic use experience (For Phase 3 only)
Exclusion Criteria4
- Current open sores or incisions, Heterotopic ossification (HO), traumatic neuromas, or any other condition preventing the wearing of a prosthetic socket
- Residual limb length less than 4 inches
- Residual limb length greater than that allowing 1.5 inches clearance from a fitted wrist.
- The investigators will make every effort to recruit Veterans. If its found that it is not possible to recruit enough Veterans, the investigators will perform a non-Veteran amendment to this protocol.
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Interventions
A transradial socket and harness design that offers a hybrid polymer and textile-based design derived from advanced athletic shoe technology. The KSH integrated socket, frame, and wrist, the "variable compliance prosthetic socket with breathable matrix," creates a dynamic and secure attachment with a combination of two lacing systems. The lacing systems lengthen and shorten six flexible hinges at the elbow, maintaining a secure attachment throughout the range of motion and accounting for volume changes in the soft tissue of the elbow that would otherwise restrict range of motion or cause the socket to separate from the residual limb.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT05990062