Researchers at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, conducted a study to understand the potential effects of the Össur Iceross Seal-in suction suspension systems and the Össur Iceross Dermo pin/lock suspension systems on gait performance in participants with unilateral transtibial amputations. Two prostheses were fabricated for each participant. Össur, Reykjavik, Iceland, provided the liners and Flex-Foot products that the ten participants used for the first time for this study. Gait training was provided prior to the experiments.
Researchers used a 3D motion analysis system to evaluate the temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic variables during normal walking. Participants used the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) to describe their satisfaction levels with both systems.
Compared to a pin and lock prosthetic suspension system, study participants with unilateral transtibial amputations who used a suction suspension system with their prosthetic device demonstrated slightly better gait symmetry and increased confidence, but had more complaints about the difficulty of donning and doffing. Overall satisfaction was higher with the pin/lock system due to easier donning and doffing.
According to the study, “the results revealed that there was more symmetry in temporal-spatial parameters between the prosthetic and sound limbs using the suction system. However, the difference between [the] two systems was not significant.” The researchers found that suction sockets were more suitable for walking, and that participants had more confidence when using them, and yet were less satisfied with them because of the difficulty in donning and doffing.
To read the study, “The Effects of Suction and Pin/Lock Suspension Systems on Transtibial Amputees’ Gait Performance,” published May 14, visit the PLOS ONE website.
