Iranian Journal of War and Public Health

Background: Socket is a mechanical coupling between residual limb and the prosthesis. The Lower limb prosthesis function is highly influenced by the quality of this coupling. Furthermore, the residual limb volume fluctuation compromise the prosthetic socket fit and hence the amputee’s function. Purpose:To examine the effect of ’bad’ and ‘good’ socket fit conditions on amputees’ performance-based parameters.

Method & Materials: 25 unilateral trans-tibial amputees were recruited. They were asked to answer SCS, TAPES, LCI5 questionnaires for the ’bad’ socket fit condition. Following change to a new socket they were asked to fill in the questionnaires again providing that they had been regularly using the prosthesis for at least two weeks and satisfied with the socket fit. At this stage, 11 volunteers were excluded due to dissatisfaction with the new socket fit. Results: The differences between variable relating to the performance of the candidates in ’bad’ and ’good’ socket fit conditions were not statistically significant. However, there was a statistically significant increase in the SCS in favour of ‘good’ socket fit condition.

Conclusion: Lack of differences between two conditions could be explained by amputees taking a compensatory mechanisms in ’bad’ socket fit condition to avoid a massive reduction in their functional capabilities. Reduction in sport activities restrictions (related to the TAPES questionnaire), and increase in advanced activities (related to the LCI5 questionnaire) are examples of the positive influences of improvement in socket fit.