Mechanically Induced Stump Dermatoses: High Prevalence Concern and Measures of Prevention Shaikh Salman1, Malhotra Akshay2 1Research Scholar, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India 2Professor, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India Online published on 21 February, 2019. Abstract Prosthetic sockets, after fitting, prevent flow of air around the residual limb. It results in trapping of sweat, creating ideal conditions for bacteria and fungus to thrive. This can lead to skin irritation, abrasion and skin breakdown. Various factors make the stump vulnerable to skin diseases, which can hamper quality of life (QoL) of an amputee. Amputation stump dermatoses (ASD) can occur immediately after socket fitting, or many years after amputation. It has been reported that Amputation stump dermatoses affects 34–78% amputees. Of these ~29% are caused due to mechanically induced stump dermatoses. The design of the stump is a major contributor to stump dermatoses as improper design results in poor fitting, trapping of sweat in closely fitted socket of prosthesis, close contact of materials leading to irritation or an allergy. The high prevalence of stump dermatoses has let to there being a growing importance given to prevention, early management and advanced treatment of skin diseases. The use of new edge technologies in designing the stump socket helps to a greater extent in preventing skin diseases resulting from the above mentioned factors. Biomaterials used in the prosthesis further reduces the risk of these skin diseases. This paper discusses the design techniques and considerations of the stump socket as key measure in prevention of the mechanically induced stump dermatoses. Top Keywords Amputee, Biomaterials, Dermatoses, Prosthesis, Stump Sockets. Top |