Outcomes Study of Transtibial Amputees Using Elevated Vacuum Suspension in Comparison With Pin Suspension

In Brief Although there are many forms of prosthetic suspension available currently, vacuum suspension systems may provide distinct benefits. The purpose of this study is to examine these unique benefits through an outcomes study. Possible benefits have been evaluated by administering surveys to participants and their prosthetists about daily activities, volume fluctuations, skin problems, and comfort. Activity Balance Confidence scores were found to be significantly higher in participants using vacuum suspension with 95% confidence, indicating a lower predicted incidence of future falls. Of a list of problems including skin breakdown and blistering, skin problems seemed to be decreased in vacuum users and walking times increased in some users. Future research is recommended to provide a larger sample population. Vacuum suspension systems may provide distinct benefits to persons with amputation. This study examined these unique benefits through an outcomes study. Possible benefits were evaluated by administering surveys to participants and their prosthetists about daily activities, volume fluctuations, skin problems and comfort. Activity Balance Confidence scores were found to be significantly higher in participants using vacuum suspension with 95% confidence, indicating a lower predicted incidence of future falls. Skin problems appeared to be decreased, and walking times increased in some users.