Designing and evaluation of different materials for socket prosthesis in cattle

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate and compare three materials- polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)- for the fabrication of prosthetic limbs in three amputee cattle. A mould of each residual limb was prepared by wrapping a plaster of Paris (POP) bandage around the stump. The mould was then subjected to three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction to accurately capture the shape and contours of the residual limb. Based on the scanned data, a digital socket model was designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The digital model was subsequently transferred to a 3D printer, which fabricated the socket through a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process. After printing, all rough edges were smoothed using sandpaper to ensure a comfortable fit. The materials were compared based on their coefficients of thermal expansion and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was the most suitable material for prosthetic socket fabrication in cale due to its high compressive strength, superior flexibility, and enhanced adaptability to the residual limb.