Comparative Biomechanical and Manufacturing Analysis of 3D-Printed PETG Transtibial Sockets: Standard vs. Adjustable RevoFit Designs

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65204/djes.v3i3.936

Keywords:

additive manufacturing, adjustable socket, Biomechanics, gait analysis, RevoFit socket, PETG, 3D printing

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of conventional 3D-printed PETG transtibial sockets and adjustable RevoFit designs on gait quality, symmetry, functional ability, and clinical outcomes through a comparative biomechanical and manufacturing approach. A comparative study using a single-subject study design was performed on a male transtibial amputee patient with an age of 30 years, weighing 87 kg, and measuring 183 cm in height. The socket designs were made using 3D printing technology with PETG material. Ground reaction forces, center of pressure path, and loading rates were measured using force plate analysis. Gait analysis was performed using the walk quality index, symmetry, and spatiotemporal analysis. Functional capacity was measured using the six-minute walk test.The performance parameters showed that the RevoFit socket performed better than the other parameters. The Walk Quality Index showed an improvement from 89.9 to 92.9 on the intact side and 96.8 (standard) to 98.9 (RevoFit) on the prosthetic side. The overall Symmetry Index showed an improvement of 9.4%, increasing from 81.2 to 88.8. The walking speed showed an improvement of 4.4%, increasing from 1.36 ± 0.08 to 1.42 ± 0.08 m/s. The General Symmetry Index showed an improvement from 85.4 to 90.5 for the 6MWT, while the overall distance showed an improvement from 380.0 to 410.2 meters (7.9% improvement). The RevoFit socket showed a balanced loading pattern and a decrease in the number of peak pressure asymmetries, as shown by the force plate analysis.

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Published

2026-08-26

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Vol.3, Assue 3, August 2026

Section

Articles