Evaluating the effect of silicon linear prosthesis on standing stability of an individual with below knee amputation: a case report

AbstractIntroduction: Lower limb amputations are caused by trauma, vascular disease, diabetes and congenital disorders.  Amputees lose their ability to stand and walk based on the level of amputation.  Various types of prosthesis have been used to increase function at these people.  It is controversial whether prosthetic suspension system influence standing stability or not.  Therefore, the aim of this study was to find the relationship between the above-mentioned factors and balance impairment in lower limb amputees.Materials and Methods: A healthy 48 years old man, with below knee amputation, was recruited in this study. A Kistler force plate with piezoelectric force transducer was used to measure displacements in center of pressure(COP).COP sway in mediolateral and antroposterior planeswere measured during usage of two prosthesis system (traditional and silicone liner prosthesis).Results: The mean values of COP excursion during application of  traditional prosthesis in anteroposterior (23.09±4.14 mm) and mediolateral (22.53±5.02 mm) planes during standing,with open eyes, were significantly higher than the similar mean values during usage of silicon linear prosthesis in the same planes (21.35±4.30mm  and 15.5±4.30mm in anteroposterior and mediolateral  planes , respectively).The mean values of COP excursion in anteroposterior and mediolateral planes during application of Foam socket were significantly higher than the similar mean values during usage of silicon linear prosthesis (p-value=0.03)Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the function of amputee in standing during usage of silicone linear prosthesis increases, as a result of improvement in proprioceptionand stimulation of superficial dermal receptors,compared to traditional prosthesis. Increased balance and proprioception are additional advantages of silicon linear prosthesis.Keywords: Silicone liner, Lower limb amputation, Suspension system, Standing stability