The Essentials in 30 Seconds
The SimPROLEG project pursues the goal to improve and make the development of customized leg prosthesis sockets more efficient through AI-based simulation of the loads in the patient's leg stump and the prosthesis socket.
Description
Goal
The objective of the SimPROLEG project is to enable an efficient and cost-effective prosthesis design through an innovative approach that employs artificial intelligence (AI) methods. The objective is to develop optimized deep learning networks that will significantly reduce the overall costs and duration of the design and optimization process for leg prostheses. It is anticipated that an AI-supported calculation model will considerably accelerate the simulation of the load state in the prosthetic socket in comparison to a classic finite element calculation.
DFKI Innovation
As part of the innovative redesign of the individual adaptation and optimization of prosthetic socket geometry, the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) is developing a problem-specific method for the efficient integration of bio- and structural-mechanical knowledge and volume information using artificial intelligence. In particular, DFKI is further developing the field of physics-informed neural networks (PINNS) as part of the project and facilitating the transfer of knowledge regarding the latest AI methods from the scientific community to industry and practical application. The AI methods developed are intended to contribute to the improvement of prosthetic care for individuals who have undergone leg amputations, thereby supporting DFKI's overarching goal: AI for people.
Background
The increasing demand for prostheses, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), has resulted in a constant stream of new innovations over time. In contrast to the notable advancements in prosthetic knee joints and prosthetic feet that have emerged in recent years, prosthetic sockets have remained largely unaltered in terms of their functional and design characteristics.
To date, most prosthetic sockets have been designed and manufactured manually through an iterative process. Consequently, the quality of these devices is highly dependent upon the expertise and experience of the orthopedic technicians involved in their production. During the process a test socket is constructed based on the provided geometric data and other available information regarding the patient. This process is repeated several times to achieve the optimal prosthesis design for the patient. Once test socket has been identified as sufficiently suitable, the final definitive socket is produced.
Studies indicate that, on average, nine iterations are required before the final geometry of the definitive socket is determined. Despite this process, many patients continue to express dissatisfaction with the lack of comfort, limited functionality, or skin injuries. This dissatisfaction can result in up to 57% of those affected permanently discontinuing the use of their leg prosthesis at times, as reported in academics. In such cases, a subsequent structural-mechanical analysis with time-consuming corrections may be necessary.
Finite element simulations of the residual limbs and prosthesis sockets facilitate the optimization of prosthesis geometry on a patient-specific basis in a manner that is biophysically sound and thus improves the prosthesis's functionality. A finite element simulation is a computer-aided method for solving complex physical problems. A problem is decomposed into a set of smaller and more straightforward components. This enables precise predictions to be made regarding the behavior of materials and systems. Nevertheless, the finite element-based modeling and optimization of the prosthetic socket necessitates processing and calculation times of several days. Given the shortage of prosthetic care specialists in Germany and the high overall costs associated with this complex design and manufacturing process, the practical use of biophysically based prosthesis optimization is severely limited. Therefore, the enhanced methodology of this SimPROLEG project holds considerable promise for markedly enhancing the care of amputees.
