A recent survey of people with lower-limb absence revealed
that patients’ satisfaction with their foam cosmesis is lower than desired,
according to a study
published online May 18 in Prosthetics
and Orthotics International. Researchers, therefore, aimed to improve the lifelike appearance, functionality,
and durability of the cosmesis through a user-centered design methodology. The
new design was found to be significantly more durable than the current standard
model and has an enhanced lifelike appearance, which the study’s authors
believe has potential to improve users’ body image and reduce costs for
healthcare providers.
Concept development and prototyping led to the new cosmesis
design that features a cut-out located at the knee, inserted with an artificial
patella made of a more rigid foam. It also features a full-length zipper that provides
easy access for maintenance. The new cosmesis was then mechanically tested for
over a million cycles and clinically tested by six transfemoral prosthesis
users over 18 patient months.
