An ill-fitting lower-limb prosthesis can significantly impact an amputee's mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, and a new research initiative from the University of Adelaide is aiming to revolutionise socket design to better meet the needs of people living with limb loss.
Funded by the Lifetime Support Authority, the Ampuease study is led by Dr Ryan Quarrington from the University's Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma Research.
The project seeks to develop a new generation of prosthetic sockets that offer improved comfort, adaptability, and fit, tailored to the diverse lifestyles and needs of people living with below-the-knee (transtibial) amputations.
"We want to learn directly from amputees, to understand their lived experiences and the day-to-day challenges they face with current prosthetic sockets," said Dr Quarrington.
"This research aims to reduce discomfort at the limb-socket interface and deliver a fit that adapts to each individual's daily needs."
Dr Quarrington said the team is currently looking for South Australian-based transtibial amputees to participate in the study.
"Participants will be invited to attend a group discussion and undergo non-invasive scans of their residual limb, helping the team better understand both personal experiences and underlying biological factors," he said.
Peter Eaton's life changed in 2019, when he was pinned for one and a half hours under a forklift he'd been driving, which meant that his right leg below the knee had to be amputated
Mr Eaton, an entrepreneur, started to design his own silicone sock to create a barrier between the stump and prosthetic in a bid to increase his comfort and ease of use.
"I don't let it affect me day to day, but it has affected my life, there's no way around it," said Mr Eaton.
"I love driving vintage cars and have travelled across Australia, and in China, but since the accident it has been harder as the cars have a clutch, accelerator and brake, and I can't use my right foot as I would have before.
"This trial, and these researchers, have the potential to really improve the lives of people with transtibial amputations."
The research team will work in collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Jones Radiology at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Clinical and Research Imaging Centre, and the National Imaging Facility.
Advanced imaging will be used to investigate the relationship between residual limb anatomy and the most common challenges reported by amputees.
These insights, gathered through in-depth surveys and focus group discussions, will inform the iterative design and prototyping of adjustable, user-centred socket systems.
This project has received Ethical Approval from CAHLN HREC (H-2025-21383).
