Principal structural testing of trans-tibial prosthetic assemblies: specimen preparation.

A simple alignment apparatus and the method of transferring the offset test load to the prosthetic assembly through an aligned mandrel for the principal structural tests in accordance with ISO 10328 is presented. The new alignment apparatus was used to prepare test specimens consisting of traditional laminated prosthetic sockets, adaptors, shanks and foot blocks. The alignment apparatus proved useful in ensuring proper orientation and positioning of the components relative to one another as well as to the loading coordinate axes. The sockets and the other components achieved the maximum load specifications during the static failure tests and no failure of components was observed in the cyclic tests.