DEVELOPMENT AND DURABILITY OF PROSTHETIC LINER FOR TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTEE

Abstract

Background: Prosthetic liners play a critical role in improving the comfort, mobility, and prosthesis management in lower-limb amputees, particularly among transtibial amputees. However, the high cost and limited availability of prefabricated liners often restrict access for patients in low-resource settings. Developing a cost-effective and durable prosthetic liner tailored to individual needs can significantly enhance user satisfaction and quality of life in this population.

Objective: To develop and evaluate a cost-effective, durable prosthetic liner that enhances mobility, comfort, and prosthesis usability in transtibial amputees over an 8-week period.

Methods: An experimental case study was conducted at the Pak Rehabilitation Center in Peshawar involving eight transtibial amputees with medium-length stumps. Participants were selected through non-probability convenient sampling and underwent assessments at baseline, 4th, and 8th week. Outcome measures included the Four-Square Step Test (FSST) for dynamic balance, Socket Comfort Score (SCS), Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS), and Prosthesis Donning and Doffing Score (PDDS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance, with p < 0.05.

Results: FSST time improved significantly from 18.15±1.72 seconds at baseline to 12.23±0.70 seconds at the 8th week (p = 0.000). The SCS increased from 4.78±0.52 to 7.00±0.49 (p = 0.003), while LEFS scores rose from 18.75±2.81 to 52.65±3.73 (p = 0.003). Prosthesis donning time reduced from 302.50±31.05 to 245.00±23.29 seconds (p = 0.001), and doffing time decreased from 218.75±20.31 to 177.50±21.21 seconds (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: The custom-fabricated, low-cost prosthetic liner demonstrated significant improvements in mobility, comfort, and prosthetic efficiency for transtibial amputees. These findings support the integration of affordable prosthetic solutions within rehabilitation programs to enhance functional outcomes and patient quality of life.