| Abstract [eng] |
Lower limb prostheses can replace missing parts of the body and improve a patient's quality of life. Prosthetic sockets must be carefully designed in order to achieve functional and comfortable prostheses. The 3D printing technique can be used to make prosthesis sockets from recycled polyamide (PA2200) powder, but these mechanical properties have not been studied in detail and require further investigation. Furthermore, one of the most important obstacles in the field of prosthetics is still the human-electronic interface in the prosthesis socket, which would allow monitoring the level of user comfort. For the prosthesis to prevent additional injuries, a complete gait analysis is required. The aim of the work – investigate the 3D printing materials used in the production of prostheses, to integrate sensors that evaluate the conditions of use of the prosthesis, and to evaluate the influence of different prostheses on gait. Objectives: 1. to investigate the mechanical characteristics of 3D printing materials used in the production of thigh prosthesis in order to achieve the efficiency of the production of prosthesis socket; 2. to select and integrate sensors that evaluate the conditions of use of the prosthesis; 3. to investigate the quality of adaptation of different prostheses according to gait kinematic parameters in order to improve the adaptability of prostheses. To investigate the properties of the materials, specimens of prosthesis socket printed using SSL technology from 100 % new PA2200 material powder and 100 % double used powder were selected to examine whether there was a significant difference between the samples. ISO 178 and ISO 527 are used for bending and tensile tests, respectively. “Qualisys” motion analysis system and “Oqus 7” high-speed digital 3D cameras are used to measure and evaluate gait parameters. The collected data is processed using Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) software, which is used to calculate changes in joint angles, laws of movement of body segments, etc. The results of the study reveal that the difference between the material made from new and re-used powders is not statistically significant (p > α). From patient’s gait it can be seen that the tilt of the pelvis decreases and approaches the normal limits when using a microprocessor-controlled prosthesis. Looking at the lateral curve of the pelvis, it can be seen that the length of the microprocessor-controlled prosthesis corresponds to the length of a healthy leg. As a result of the limited movement of the legs, the pelvis and hip joints move with greater amplitude. |
