The effect of Dermo and Seal-In X5 prosthetic liners on pressure distributions and reported satisfaction during ramp ambulation in persons with transtibial limb loss.

BACKGROUND

Lower limb amputee's are greatly affected in dealing with the environmental barriers such as ramps and stairs and reported high interface pressure between the residual limb and socket/liner. Interface pressure between the residual limb and socket/liner can affect the satisfaction and use of the prosthesis. Until now, little attention has been paid to interface pressure between socket and stump during ramp negotiation and its effect on amputee's satisfaction.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interface pressure produced by two different liners (Seal-In X5 and Dermo) between the residual limb and socket, and their effects on amputee's satisfaction during ramp negotiation.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

The study was performed in rehabilitation and biomedical departments of University Malaya Medical Centre.

POPULATION

Total ten (7 male, 3 female) transtibial amputees with unilateral amputation were included.

METHODS

Two prostheses were fabricated for each amputee. After four weeks of acclimation period, interface pressure between socket and residual limb was measured during walking on ramp and Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) was filled for each liner.

RESULTS

Mean peak pressure was significantly (P<0.05) lower with the Dermo liner compared with the Seal-In X5 liner in ramp walking. In addition, the participants were more satisfied with the Dermo liner (83.50 vs. 71.50) and mentioned fewer problems (87.00 vs. 69.00) compared with the Seal-In X5 liner during ramp negotiation.

CONCLUSION

It might be concluded that Dermo liner could be a good choice for the transtibial level of amputation due to relative decrease in interface pressure, satisfaction and fewer problems.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The advantages of the Dermo liner may improve clinical rehabilitation of transtibial amputee's, as it provides more satisfaction and experienced fewer problems during ramp negotiation. This provides an improved walking and better quality of life in long term.