DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND EVALUATION OF PROSTHESIS FOR CALCANEOTIBIAL AMPUTATION

The development of durable and safe prosthetic limbs is critical for improving the quality of life for amputees. This study addresses the challenge of optimizing the mechanical and fatigue properties of calcaneotibial amputation prostheses through advanced composite materials. The objective of the work is to evaluate and compare the mechanical performance of three different composite material configurations, focusing on their suitability for prosthetic applications. Acrylic resin (Lamination 80:20) was used as the matrix, reinforced with three composite layering configurations: (A) four layers of Perlon, (B) four Perlon + four Glass Fiber + four Perlon, and (C) four Perlon + four Carbon Fiber + four Perlon. Mechanical testing was conducted to determine yield strength (σy), ultimate tensile strength (σult), and young’s modulus (E). Additionally, pressure measurements between the stump and socket were recorded using an F-socket system to assess user comfort and load distribution. The results reveal significant improvements in mechanical properties with the addition of carbon and glass fibers. Group C (Carbon Fiber composite) demonstrated a 76% increase in yield strength, 80% increase in ultimate tensile strength, and 40% increase in young’s modulus compared to Group A (Perlon only). Group B (Glass Fiber composite) showed a 40% increase in yield strength, 71% increase in ultimate strength, and a 21% rise in modulus. Pressure measurements indicated lateral and posterior region pressures of 238 kPa and 273 kPa, respectively. Safety factor analysis indicated a value of approximately 1.816 for the carbon fiber-reinforced composite, suggesting superior structural integrity.