The amount of intra cast absolute shape difference was given in cubic millimetres. Therefore, the 7.94% of average volume of four repetitions (of both casting concepts) selleck chem inhibitor were calculated and compared to the intra cast shape difference of either casting concept using t-test. The difference between volume of one layer of sock and the Hands-off shape difference was significant (mean difference (SD) = ?26454.85 (17865.87)mm3, P = 0.001). In other words it was less than the volume of one layer of sock. The Hands-on shape difference was not significantly different from the volume of a Terry Cloth sock (mean difference (SD) = 10486.82 (41532.30)mm3, P = 0.400), that is, equal to the volume of one layer of sock.4. DiscussionThe quality of prosthetic socket fit is influenced by consistency in shape capture process.

In this study twelve residual limbs were casted using two common casting methods, that is, Hands-on and Hands-off. Then the CSSA, CSC, length, volume, and shape of residual limb were measured using MRI and then compared for inter- and intra cast consistency of methods.In the Hands-on method, following the POP application, a prosthetist manually applies a pressure over the residual limb to preshape the cast. This approach may result in an inconsistent outcome but is influenced by prosthetist skill and dexterity. This is likely to be the reason for the large inter- and intra cast inconsistency of the measured variables for the Hands-on method at the proximal region of the residual limb. Similar findings in relation to manual dexterity were reported by Buis et al. [13].

In their study, the Hands-off concept showed a constant pattern of maximum radius variation of 1.4mm, whereas the Hands-on concept had a maximum radius variation of approximately 2.4mm and 5mm in the middle and proximal part of the residual limb model, respectively. The results of their study are in agreement with the result of this study as the CSSA variability in Hands-off casting shows a constant pattern with a smaller mean CSSA throughout the length of the residual limb.Although there was no statistical significant intercast CSSA difference, except at the far distal part (slice 9) of the residual limb, the Hands-off CSSA mean and intra cast variability were smaller than those of the Hands-on method (Table 1). This could be due to the uniform pressure around the residual limb produced when using the air bladder.

In the study by Kahle [26], the percentage diameter relative to the residual limb was +19.4% and +4.4% for AP diameter at the tibial tuberosity level for HS Entinostat and PTB sockets, respectively, and mediolateral percentage differences were HS = +6.3% and PTB = +3.7%. Kristinsson reasoned that the combination of the radial pressure around the residual limb and the effect of the silicon liner on downward displacement of the skin results in elongation of the residual limb soft tissue [4].