A sensor to monitor limb depth in transtibial sockets with locking pin suspension: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of limb depth in transtibial sockets may provide useful information toward patient education and care. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop a sensor to detect the depth of a locking pin in the shuttle lock of a transtibial socket and to monitor the small motions between ratchet clicks during ambulation. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled bench testing and single-participant study. METHODS: A copper wire coil positioned beneath the socket shuttle lock was used with an inductive sensing chip to monitor locking pin depth. A custom jig was used to calibrate the sensor and bench test the system. Repeatability, drift, and the effects of pin length, carbon fiber presence, temperature change, and pin angulation on sensor performance were tested. Testing was conducted on a participant wearing an adjustable socket, walking with the panels at four different radial positions. RESULTS: The sensor demonstrated a root mean square error of 0.21% of the full-scale output. Different pins, different pin lengths, and the presence of carbon fiber affected calibration, indicating that the sensor must be calibrated to the individual user's socket and pin. Ratchet clicks and cyclic motion between clicks during walking were evident in the data. During participant testing, enlarging the socket at 1.00 mm radial increments caused significant changes in pin peak-to-peak distance (up and down motion) within a step. CONCLUSIONS: The sensor is sufficiently accurate to pursue studies investigating utility of the data toward clinical monitoring of socket fit.

The Use of Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Rehabilitation for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report.

Rotator cuff dysfunction is common in athletes involved with overhead sports. Secondary subacromial impingement is a common cause of pain for patients with rotator cuff dysfunction. Exercise rehabilitation and manual therapy can be used in the treatment of subacromial impingement to decrease pain, increase functionality and support a return to activity. The current case report describes a 24-year-old patient with supraspinatus tendinosis and secondary subacromial impingement who was experiencing pain when playing tennis, and during daily activities involving overhead movements. Osteopathic manual therapy and rehabilitation was undertaken leading to significant improvements in pain and function over a six-week period. The current case report describes an evidence-informed approach to the management of subacromial impingement syndrome whilst incorporating a manual therapy technique, balanced ligamentous tension, that has received little attention in the literature.