This study examined the effects of socket flexion angle in trans-tibial prosthesis on stump/socket interface pressure. Ten trans-tibial amputees voluntarily participated in this study. F-socket system was used to measure static and dynamic pressure in stump/socket interface. The pressure was measured at anterior area (proximal, middle, and distal) and posterior area (proximal, middle, and distal) in different socket flexion angles (5°, 0°, and 10°). Paired t-test was used to compare pressure differences in conventional socket flexion angle of 5° with pressures in socket flexion angles of 0° and 10° (α=.05). Mean pressure during standing in socket flexion angle of 10° decreased significantly in anterior middle area (19.7%), posterior proximal area (10.4%), and posterior distal area (16.3%) compared with socket flexion angle of 5°. Mean pressure during stance phase in socket flexion angle of 0° increased significantly in anterior proximal area (19.3%) and decreased significantly in anterior distal area (19.7%) compared with socket flexion angle of 5°. Mean pressure during stance phase in socket flexion angle of 10° decreased significantly in anterior proximal area (19.6%) and increased significantly in anterior distal area (8.2%) compared with socket flexion angle of 5°. Peak pressure during gait in socket flexion angle of 0° increased significantly in anterior proximal area (23.0%) compared with socket flexion angle of 5° and peak pressure during gait in socket flexion angle of 10° decreased significantly in anterior proximal area (22.7%) compared with socket flexion angle of 5°. Mean pressure over 80% of peak pressure (MP80+) during gait in socket flexion angle of 0° increased significantly in anterior proximal area (23.9%) and decreased significantly in anterior distal area (22.5%) compared with socket flexion angle of 5°. MP80+ during gait in socket flexion angle of 10° decreased significantly in anterior distal area (34.1%) compared with socket flexion angle of 5°. Asymmetrical pressure change patterns in socket flexion angle of 0° and 10° were revealed in anterior proximal and distal region compared with socket flexion angle of 5°. To provide comfortable and safe socket for trans-tibial amputee, socket flexion angle must be considered.

• Pil Kang(Dept. of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Korean National College of Rehabilitation and Welfare) Corresponding author
• Jang-hwan Kim(Dept. of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Hanseo University)
• Jung-suk Roh(Dept. of Physical Therapy, Hanseo University)