Arguably the most important part of a prosthesis is the socket. For many prosthetists, it is where the most care and attention is paid regarding design, fabrication, and fitting. This critical component of the lower-limb prosthesis provides support and comfort to the user while restoring ambulation and function surrounding activities of daily living.
As O&P transitions into a more scientifically robust profession, one might presume the socket is scrutinized and tested using standardized methods. How else can practitioners be sure they are providing the most effective and structurally sound device for their patients? However, review of the published literature highlights a substantial knowledge gap surrounding standardized methods for the mechanical testing of prosthetic sockets. The absence of standardized test methods means the structural properties of these sockets are not clearly defined or understood.1 As a profession, we have been relying on our clinical experience rather than a systematic, scientific approach. The result is that sockets are often overfabricated to avoid potential failure. To begin addressing this dilemma, in 2020 a multidisciplinary group of professionals was assembled by the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) under the name AOPA Socket Guidance Workgroup.
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