Mechanical stress measurement of silicone liner to the skin in patients with transtibial amputation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the stress of a silicone liner (liner) to the skin in patients with transtibial amputation. Subjects included 7 transtibial amputees. Interface pressure and shear force in the thigh area were measured by using a small instrument for measuring pressure and shear force. Interface pressure and shear force fluctuated with a change in knee movement for all subjects. With an increase in knee angle, there was an increase in shearing stress and pressure. A liner has a particular elastic property, but it’s different from that of the skin. In addition, it closely contacts the skin through its viscidity. The difference in the strain on the liner and the skin causes stress to the stump surface. It is indicated that this mechanism causes the skin disorder.