AI-designed prosthetic sockets show promise

A recent study from Radboudumc demonstrates how prosthetic sockets designed using artificial intelligence (AI) compare to those made with traditional plaster cast methods.

Prosthetic socket design, the process of creating the interface between a prosthesis and the residual limb, has traditionally relied on labor-intensive plaster casting, which can be both time-consuming and dependent on practitioner skill. However, advances in AI technology offer new, innovative alternatives.

Research led by Merel van der Stelt from the research group of Thomas Maal (3D Lab) and Ruud Leijendekkers (Department of Rehabilitation) and published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation assessed the effectiveness of AI-generated transtibial prosthetic socket designs.

In this clinical study, patients were fitted with both AI-designed and traditionally crafted sockets, and their experiences were evaluated over a one-week period. The results suggest that AI-generated designs hold promise for improving the process.

Looking ahead, researchers plan to refine the AI algorithm with additional data to further enhance accuracy. Moreover, there is ongoing research into how this AI technology could meet the high demand for prosthetics in low- and middle-income countries, where there is often a shortage of skilled professionals.

About the publication

Merel van der Stelt, Bo Berends, Marco Papenburg, Tom Langenhuyzen, Thomas Maal, Lars Brouwers, Guido de Jong, Ruud Leijendekkers (2024). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Shape Design Using Artificial Intelligence: A Clinical Comparison With Traditional Plaster Cast Socket Designs,
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2024.08.026