Functional Validation of Biomaterials for Tarsometatarsal Prosthesis

Partial foot amputations pose significant challenges to gait and mobility. This study evaluates two Tarsometatarsal (TMT) prostheses: one made solely of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and another made of TPE reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP). Finite Element (FE) analysis and gait assessments in a motion laboratory were used to evaluate their impact on gait mechanics. Both prostheses improved force generation during propulsion, reducing gait asymmetries associated with amputation. Notably, the GFRP prosthesis demonstrated superior enhancement of ground reaction force patterns, crucial for effective body propulsion, compared to TPE. Further research should focus on refining prosthetic designs to maximize propulsion efficiency and gait symmetry, thus advancing biomechanical performance and patient outcomes.