Patient-Specific Modeling of Subjects with a Lower Limb Amputation

The rehabilitation outcomes following lower limb amputation depend on decision-making in the surgery room and in optimal fitting of the prosthetic components. Presently, the surgical and rehabilitation processes are performed according to general guidelines and on the experience of the surgeon/prosthetist. Patient-specific models of the residual limb and its interaction with the prosthetic socket have been created for the last two decades for research purposes. However, no modeling technique has yet to be integrated with the clinical community, as a tool for surgical and rehabilitative decision-making. In this chapter, we will review the main advancements in patient-specific modeling of the lower limb residuum over the last decades and discuss its potential use as both a tool for clinicians and as a patient-specific monitor aimed to prevent injury to the residuum.