Imprint

Device helps prosthetists fit patients more comfortably and accurately

Imprint measures how loose or tight the prosthetic fits at different points on the leg.

Problem

Fitting a patient with a prosthetic leg is an imprecise, complicated process. Because many patients lose feeling in their limbs after amputation surgery, they may not know if the pressure in the new prosthetic is correct.

Fitting someone with a prosthetic is a complicated process that often takes hours, but it’s very important. An improper fit could cause sores that are difficult to treat.Caitlin Makatura, Imprint, creator

Solution

Imprint is a pressure-sensing sock that measures how loose or tight the prosthetic fits at different points on the leg. It takes out the guesswork to arrive at the right fit in a shorter amount of time. The sock features a grid of sensors that send information to a computer screen. Using Imprint, prosthetists can pin-point ill-fitting areas within a socket and then make the necessary adjustments to ensure complete patient comfort.

Benefits

• Soft sock makes fitting more comfortable for the patient
• System reports feedback information in real-time
• Faster than current fitting method
• Data allows for more accurate and reliable fitting

Development Process

While a student in the Engineering Design Innovation program, Caitlin Makatura embarked on this project after speaking with and observing prosthetists at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. She originally thought that the project would focus more on the sock’s fabric and less on its technology, but she quickly learned that refining the technical side was just as important.

Current Status

Makatura graduated and is pursuing a career in user experience design. Imprint now resides at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab where researchers continue to develop it.

Updated May 2016