Design and Analysis of Partial Right Foot Chopart Socket Prosthesis

The objective of this study is to present conventional manufacturing process of chopart socket prosthesis using polypropylene and carbon fiber composite, and test their feasibility using finite element analysis (FEA). The accepted understanding suggest that prosthesis stiffness influence the gait biomechanics in amputees. Finite element analysis is becoming more feasible in biomechanical applications because it can provide better insights under complex boundary and load conditions. In the present study, FEA analysis was conducted to test the feasibility of chopart socket prosthesis with two different materials, viz. polypropylene and carbon fiber with three laminations. Results showed that carbon fibers give a higher strength-to-weight ratio and provide greater stiffness in the distal region. A distinct advantage of using these materials in the fabrication of prostheses is the availability of additive manufacturing processes which could be used to significantly reduce the time to manufacture the prosthesis with fit dimensions.