The modular socket system in a rural setting in Indonesia.
Bob Giesberts, Liezel Ennion, Olle Hjelmstrom and 4 others
PMID 29153044WHAT IT FOUND
Walking speed and distance showed no clear change over months, but people reported less comfort and used the prosthesis less often.
It could be made and fitted quickly with mostly portable tools.
Key findings
01Walking speed and distance did not differ significantly between after fitting and the final follow-up.
02Mean self-reported use fell from 13.2 h with the previous prosthesis to 9.2 h with the MSS, and the Socket Fit Comfort Score fell from 8.1 to 7.0 over follow-up.
03All sockets were completed in 1 day, and assembly of the complete prosthesis was finished that same day in 10 out of the 15 cases.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The sample was small and selected from existing prosthetic users, so it may not represent all people with lower-leg amputation. The same team fitted the prosthesis and assessed outcomes, so participants and researchers were not blinded. Participants were recruited from clinic users who presented with discomfort, which may bias satisfaction and function scores. Questionnaires required multiple translations, so wording may not have been standardised. No direct cost comparison with the previous prosthesis was possible because the system was not commercially available locally. The sponsor supplied materials and equipment, which may influence reporting of feasibility.
Declared interests
Össur sponsored the material and equipment needed to make the prostheses. The authors declared no other financial support for the article.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that the modular socket improves walking or daily function. Walking speed and distance did not change significantly over follow-up, and reported use and comfort scores decreased.