Three dimensional finite dynamic analysis of the residual limb and prosthetic socket

Taking a transtibial residual limb as object, three dimensional finite element (FE) models of the residual limb and prosthetic socket were constructed. According to the dynamic boundary conditions during walking, the corresponding mechanical analysis was performed for five typical phases in a gait cycle of the residual limb. The result indicates that the patellar tendon, lateral femoral condyle, tibia crest, tibia end, fibular head and fibular end are primarily stressed. The dynamic analysis accurately describes the stress distribution over the residual limb during the walking period, and breaks the limitation in static analysis where the dynamic stresses in the residual limb with changed gait posture are unable to simulate, which provides a scientific basis for the prosthetic socket optimal design.