Innovative Prosthetic Systems for Pediatric Limb Loss to Accommodate Growth

An immediate fit adjustable prosthetic system is being investigated for children. The age range being recruited is from 3 years up to 18 years old. Phase I of this study will involve developing a final prototype by conducting in-lab testing on children with limb loss. Phase II will involve a two month home trial to further evaluate the comfort and usability of the socket. Outcome measures include a PEQ-based questionnaire, socket pressure measures and gait analysis.

Inclusion Criteria: * Four months post-amputation * Subjects who have lost a limb due to any cause: trauma, congenital limb loss, dysvascular causes (peripheral vascular disease and diabetes), or malignancy will all be eligible for inclusion. * Intact, protective sensation in their residual limbs. Exclusion Criteria: * open skin lesions * excessive pain in the residual limb (phantom pain, residual limb pain, or neuroma) * neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, severe polyneuropathy) causing weakness in the contralateral leg or marked gait impairment * inability to follow instructions for trial