Revista de Ciências e Engenharia de Materiais

Review on Alternate Materials for Producing Low Cost Lower Limb Prosthetic Socket

Abstract

Endalkachew Gashawtena*, Belete Sirahbizu and Addis Kidane

Currently, several lower limb amputations occurred from different injuries caused by nature, accidents, and disease. From those harmed civilians, most of them not able to use artificial limbs or prostheses due to the high cost of the orthopedic prosthesis. This review aims to find out different types of materials used in the production of lower cost lower limb prosthetic sockets. Various related articles from 1984 to 2020 were collected from the database of Science Direct, google scholar, and other websites. A total of 112 research papers were obtained and out of them, 26 papers were selected for this review. Studies indicate that prostheses can be produced possibly from metal and polymer composites as well as natural fiber reinforced composites. It has been also reported that prosthetic sockets produced from synthetic fiber reinforced composite can be made to be durable and strong by changing the fiber orientation and by adding Nanoparticles with different volume fractions. However, they are more costly, stiff, and rigged. Prosthetic sockets made from biodegradable natural fiber reinforced composite are less costly, less stiff compared to conventional synthetic fiber polymer composite, and more comfortable for patients. Studies showed the good mechanical properties of Ramie, kenaf, pineapple, and Banana fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites made these materials the promising candidate for prosthetic socket applications.