Establishing the Feasibility of a Sensor-Based Sock Management System¹

One of the leading problems that amputees have with their prosthetic limbs is improper socket fit [1]. An improper fit can be caused by the physiology and dynamic nature of the residual limb, which causes its volume to fluctuate over time. This volume fluctuation can occur over the course of several months due to muscle atrophy or over the course of several hours due to fluid changes with increased or decreased activity. One common cost-efficient way to accommodate for the change in residual limb volume is the use of residual limb socks. Amputees restore socket fit by adding or removing socks throughout the day, depending on how their residual limb changes. A challenge arises, however, when determining the correct number of socks to wear. Many amputees who have neuropathy or who are inexperienced with sock management have difficulty determining when to add or remove socks based on the...