Testing the Wickability of Fabrics Used in Prosthetic Stump Socks

Prosthetic limbs can be very uncomfortable to the user, creating a decreased quality of life. Many skin problems and irritations, such as rashes, fungal infections and cysts can occur from continuous wear of the prosthesis. The goal of this project is to test the wickability of prosthetic stump socks of different materials. Few studies have been performed on wicking and absorption properties of prosthetic materials. The testing system selected for this design project will measure capillary pressure and permeability, primary parameters used in defining wicking.