Limb amputation currently affects 1.7 million people in the United States. Approximately half have experienced a below knee amputation. A challenge faced today by several amputees is the discomfort caused in prosthetics. Although attempts have been made to perfect contact made between prosthetic socket and stump of the amputated limb, discomfort is still caused due to several reasons. Studies have been conducted to identify these reasons for pain or discomfort in the transfemoral prosthesis. Although factors like temperature and heat are factors in causing discomfort, their impact on the patient is insignificant compared to the discomfort caused by irregular pressure distribution, friction, shear and slippage. Therefore, to quantify the discomfort caused due to the prosthetic and amputee stump surface contact conditions, it is first important to measure the pressure distribution in the prosthetic socket-amputee stump contact area.

By estimating pressure distribution in the socket-stump interface, conclusions such as design alternatives to reduce discomfort or optimal pressure sensor placement in test rigs can be made.