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Knee Technology

Feb 13
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Biotensegrity Bridge and How It Relates To Improved Outcomes in Prosthetic Socket – Interface Design

By AK, Amputee, Articles, Biodesigns, biomechanics, biomeechanics, BK, DARPA, Exoskeletons, HiFi, ilimb, Knee Technology, Lower Extremity, Press Release / Media, Research, Socket Technology

In the February 2025 issue of the O&P edge, Randall Alley, CEO and Head of User-Interface Technolgy, expands on the concept of the Biotensegrity Bridge and how it relates to improved outcomes in prosthetic socket/interface design.

Socket designs conceived decades ago are still being taught and used when research, science and patient feedback continues to sound the alarm on all the inherent issues caused by the standard-of-care socket. The industry has fought back with improved liners, vacuum, advanced componentry, adjustability, additive manufacturing, and smart devices, yet the core principles of socket design remain unchanged. At biodesigns, we refuse to provide our patients with “buckets” (our patients’ term). Instead of distracting the wearer with 3D printing, adjustability, and advanced components, we look to the core of the interface platform and turn to biomechanics and the concept we have coined the Biotensegrity Bridge. Once a stable, effective, optimum interface platform is achieved, then it becomes more appropriate to apply innovative materials like 3D printing, determine if adjustability is necessary (including micro, macro and smart adjustments), discuss suspension options, apply desired configuration (solid socket vs. apertures) and finally determine which components are necessary, not the other way around.

“The osseostabilizing interface’s compression technology aligns prosthetic socket design with the principles of biotensegrity. By stabilizing the bone dynamically and replicating natural motion, the HiFi design supports the body’s tension-compression balance during both stance and swing phases. This improves gait efficiency and facilitates prosthetic embodiment, enhancing the overall health and well-being of prosthesis users. As a healthier alternative to traditional socket designs, osseostabilizing interfaces represent the future of prosthetic care, prioritizing function, comfort, and long-term outcomes,” stated Randall Alley in the article.

As an industry, the focus should be on interface biomechanics to improve comfort, performance and gait quality, instead of providing Band-aids for socket designs that are inherently flawed and shown to cause so many issues, short and long term. While change is difficult for many, patients have had to tolerate subpar designs for way too long. We believe patients’ lives are worth it.

Read the full article here

 

May 20
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The Effect of Transfemoral Interface Design On Gait Speed and Risk of Falls

By HiFi, Knee Technology, Lower Extremity, Prosthetics, Socket Technology

 
By: Jason T. Kahle, Tyler D. Klenow, William J. Sampson, M. Jason Highsmith

September 2016, Technology and Innovations, Vol. 18, pgs. 167-173, The Effect of Transfemoral Interface Design On Gait Speed and Risk of Falls

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of TFA interface design on walking capacity and balance confidence A retrospective cohort design was utilized involving unilateral TFA patients who used ischial ramus containment (IRC) and High-Fidelity (HiFi) interfaces. Falls and diminished walking capacity are impairments common in persons with transfemoral amputation (TFA). Reducing falls and optimizing walking capacity through such means as achieving a more normal gait speed and community ambulation should be considered when formulating the prosthetic prescription. Because walking capacity and balance confidence are compromised with TFA, these outcomes should be considered when evaluating interfaces for transfemoral prosthetic users. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of TFA interface design on walking capacity and balance confidence A retrospective cohort design was utilized involving unilateral TFA patients who used ischial ramus containment (IRC) and High-Fidelity (HiFi) interfaces (independent variables). Dependent variables included the Activity-specific Balance Scale (ABC) and the two-minute walk test (2MWT). Complete records were available for 13 patients (n = 13). The age range was 26 to 58 years. Three patients functioned at the K4 activity level, whereas all others functioned at the K3 level. Mean ABC scores were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) at 77.2 (±16.8; 35.6 to 96.9) for IRC and 90.7 (±5.7;77.5 to 98.7) for HiFi. The mean distance walked on the 2MWT was 91.8 m (±22.0, 58.3 to 124.7) for IRC compared to 110.4 m (±28.7; 64.7 to 171.1) for the HiFi socket (p ≤ 0.05). Alternative transfemoral interface design, such as the HiFi socket, can improve walking capacity and balance confidence in higher-functioning TFA patients.

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