19/09/2025

Researchers from Radii Devices and the University of Southampton have developed a data-driven approach to fitting below-the-knee prosthetic legs. Published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology, the study demonstrates that sockets designed using this method were as comfortable as those made by experienced prosthetists – and produced more consistent results. Importantly, the software generates an initial socket design instantly, reducing time and cost.

Three people sitting around a desk, one at the front is typing on a latop showing the prosthetic leg; Copyright: University of Southampton

The data-driven designs can help with personalizing and thus optimizing prosthetic legs to suit each patients needs.

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Why socket design matters

The prosthetic socket is the vital connection between the residual limb and the prosthetic leg. It bears the entire body weight and dynamic forces of walking. An ill-fitting socket can cause pain, tissue damage, or unsafe walking.

Traditionally, prosthetists create sockets by hand using plaster casts, or more recently with CAD (computer-aided design) systems. While effective, this process requires multiple adjustments and patient visits.

Using data to personalize prosthetic design

Radii Devices, a University of Southampton spin-out, developed software that analyzes hundreds of past socket designs. Combined with a 3D scan of the patient’s residual limb, the system generates personalized socket recommendations.

Dr. Joshua Steer, Founder and CEO of Radii Devices, explained: “By analyzing hundreds of previous prosthetic designs, we’ve been able to identify trends between different patient characteristics, such as the shape and size of the residual limb, and successful socket shapes. We can then scan a new patient’s residual limb and generate a personalized design recommendation based on features that have been successful for similar patients in the past.”

Clinical evidence from NHS centers

Seventeen patients at three NHS prosthetic rehabilitation centers tested sockets designed both traditionally and with the data-driven method. Participants rated comfort on a ten-point scale and shared feedback. Results showed:

No difference in average comfort scores
Less variation in comfort with data-driven sockets
Several patients preferred the data-driven socket, choosing it as their definitive prosthetic

Supporting prosthetists, not replacing them

The system is intended as a clinical support tool. Prosthetists bring crucial expertise about underlying conditions such as bone spurs or neuromas that scans cannot reveal.

Prof. Alex Dickinson of the University of Southampton emphasized: “We developed the data-driven socket design approach to save prosthetists’ time by giving them a solid base to work from so they can use their expertise where it is most valuable, in making precise adaptations tailored to their patients’ specific needs.”

Next steps and broader impact

Nearly 100 patients in the UK and USA have now received prosthetic sockets designed with this method. The final phase of the project is focused on refining the software interface with clinician input to integrate seamlessly into practice. The project was supported by Innovate UK, the University of Southampton’s Institute for Life Sciences, Orthopaedic Research UK, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Southampton

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