Arezoo Eshraghi has received her BSc and MSc in Prosthetics & Orthotics. She is currently working as a researcher and instructor in prosthetics & orthotics at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Awards: - Forchheimer prize, ISPO 2012 - Best free paper prize, ISPO 2012 - Bright Spark awatd, outstanding researcher - Gold medal, ITEX 2012, New prosthetic suspension system - Silver medal, MTE 2012, Magnetic suspension system - 4 patents in the field of prosthetics
Abstract: Different suspension systems that are used within prosthetic devices may alter the distribution of pressure inside the prosthetic socket in lower limb amputees. This study aimed to compare the interface pressure of a new magnetic suspension system with the pin/lock and Seal-In suspension systems.
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of a newly designed magnetic suspension system with that of two existing suspension methods on pistoning inside the prosthetic socket and to compare satisfaction and perceived problems among transtibial amputees.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare a seal-in liner with the common suction socket with regards to patient satisfaction and problems experienced with the prosthesis. DESIGN: Retrospective survey. SETTING: A medical and engineering research center and a department of biomechanical engineering. PARTICIPANTS: Men (N=90) with traumatic transfemoral amputation who used both suspension systems participated in the study. INTERVENTION: Two prosthetic suspension systems: a seal-in liner and common suction socket. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two questionnaires were completed by each subject to evaluate their satisfaction and problems experienced with the 2 suspension systems. Satisfaction and problems with the prosthetic suspension systems were analyzed in terms of fitting, donning and doffing, sitting, walking, stair negotiation, appearance, sweating, wounds, pain, irritation, pistoning, edema, smell, sound, and durability. RESULTS: The study revealed that the respondents were more satisfied with a seal-in liner with regards to fitting, sitting, and donning and doffing. Overall satisfaction increased with the use of a seal-in liner compared with the suction socket (P<.05). However, satisfaction with the prosthesis showed no significant differences in terms of walking (flat and uneven surfaces), appearance, and stair negotiation. Furthermore, problems experienced differed significantly between the 2 suspension systems (P<.05). Sweating, wounds, pain, irritation, pistoning, edema, smell, and sound were less problematic with the use of a seal-in liner, whereas durability was significantly better with the suction socket. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey suggest that satisfaction and problems with prosthetic suspension in persons with transfemoral amputation can be improved with a seal-in liner compared with the suction socket, provided that the durability of the liner is enhanced.
Abstract: Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease which influences the performance of the knee joint. Moreover, the force and moments applied on the joint increase in contrast to normal subjects. Various types of knee orthoses have been designed to solve the mentioned problems. However, there are other problems in terms of distal migration during walking and the alignment of the orthosis which cannot be changed following the use of brace. Therefore, the main aim of the research was to design an orthosis to solve the aforementioned problems. Method. A new type of knee orthosis was designed with a modular structure. Two patients with knee OA participated in this research project. The force applied on the foot, moment transmitted through the knee joint, and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured by use of a motion analysis system. Results. The results of the research showed that the adduction moment applied on the knee joint decreased while subjects walked with the new knee orthosis (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion. The new design of the knee brace can be used as an effective treatment to decrease the loads applied on the knee joint and to improve the alignment whilst walking.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The interface pressure between the residual limb and prosthetic socket has a significant effect on an amputee's satisfaction and comfort. Liners provide a comfortable interface by adding a soft cushion between the residual limb and the socket. The Dermo and the Seal-In X5 liner are two new interface systems and, due to their relative infancy, very little are known about their effect on patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to compare the interface pressure with these two liners and their effect on patient satisfaction. METHODS: Nine unilateral transtibial amputees participated in the study. Two prostheses were fabricated for each amputee, one with the Seal-In liner and one with the Dermo liner. Interface pressure was measured at the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral regions during walking on the level ground. Each subject filled in a Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) regarding the satisfaction with the two liners. Findings The mean peak pressures with the Seal-In liner was 34.0% higher at the anterior, 24.0% higher at the posterior and 7.0% higher at the medial regions of the socket (P=0.008, P=0.046, P=0.025) than it was with the Dermo Liner. There were no significant differences in the mean peak pressures between the two liners at the lateral regions. In addition, significant difference was found between the two liners both for satisfaction and problems (P<0.05). Interpretation There was less interface pressure between the socket and the residual limb with the Dermo liner. The results indicated that the Dermo liner provides more comfort in the socket than the Seal-In liner.
Abstract: The method of attachment of prosthesis to the residual limb (suspension) and socket fitting is a critical issue in the process of providing an amputee with prosthesis. Different suspension methods try to minimize the pistoning movement inside the socket. The Seal-In(®) X5 and Dermo(®) Liner by Ossur are new suspension liners that intend to reduce pistoning between the socket and liner. Since the effects of these new liners on suspension are unclear, the objective of this study was to compare the pistoning effect of Seal-In(®) X5 and Dermo(®) Liner by using Vicon Motion System.
Abstract: One of the main indicators of the suspension system efficiency in lower limb prostheses is vertical displacement or pistoning within the socket. Decreasing pistoning and introducing an effective system for evaluating pistoning could contribute to the amputees' rehabilitation process.
