Northwestern University Flexible Subischial Vacuum Socket for persons with transfemoral amputation: Part 2 Description and Preliminary evaluation.
Stefania Fatone, Ryan Caldwell
PMID 28132589WHAT IT FOUND
Two transfemoral amputees reported better socket comfort with the NU-FlexSIV subischial socket than their conventional ischial containment sockets, while maintaining comparable gait speed and stability.
This preliminary report suggests the design is feasible and comfortable, but does not prove it improves function.
Key findings
01Both subjects reported higher socket comfort scores with the NU-FlexSIV socket compared to their ischial containment socket.
02Walking speed was slightly faster with the NU-FlexSIV socket at normal and fast speeds for both subjects, while step width results were inconsistent.
03Coronal plane stability during walking was maintained with the NU-FlexSIV socket, evidenced by no change in lateral trunk flexion compared to the ischial containment socket.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study included only two subjects, which is insufficient to draw general conclusions about efficacy or safety. Subject 1 was less accustomed to their conventional ICS than Subject 2, potentially biasing comfort ratings. Subject 2 used different knee components with each socket, confounding functional comparisons. Socket fabrication was not standardized, with the NU-FlexSIV made by one author and the ICS by different providers. This is a preliminary report; randomized cross-over trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. The study was not funded by a commercial entity, and the NU-FlexSIV socket was fabricated by one of the authors.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the high comfort scores or comparable gait metrics as proof that the NU-FlexSIV socket is superior for all transfemoral amputees. With only two participants and non-standardized socket conditions, these findings describe feasibility and initial user preference rather than established clinical benefit.