User-perceived skin-health benefits of a vented prosthetic suspension system in individuals with transfemoral amputation: a randomized crossover trial
In a randomized crossover trial involving 56 individuals with transfemoral amputation, the novel vented AeroFit prosthetic system was found to significantly improve user-perceived residual limb skin health compared to a non-vented system without compromising activity levels, prosthesis use, or quality of life.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
For millions of people living with limb loss, the journey back to mobility relies on a delicate partnership between the body and a machine. A prosthetic limb does not attach directly to the bone; instead, it connects through a soft, custom-made sleeve that fits snugly over the remaining part of the leg, known as the residual limb. This sleeve, or liner, acts as a protective barrier, cushioning the skin and helping the limb stay securely attached to the hard outer shell of the prosthesis. However, this tight seal creates a unique challenge: the space between the skin and the liner becomes a warm, humid environment where sweat cannot escape. For many users, this trapped moisture leads to uncomfortable rashes, skin breakdown, and a constant fear that the limb will slip out of place. The body's natural way of cooling itself through evaporation is blocked, turning a necessary medical device into a source of persistent discomfort and health risk.
A new study published in October 2026 investigates a solution designed to break this cycle of trapped heat and moisture. Researchers at Össur, a medical technology company, tested a novel prosthetic system called AeroFit, which introduces a simple but effective change: ventilation. Unlike traditional liners that are completely sealed, the AeroFit system features a specially designed liner and socket that allow air to flow through the interface. The goal was to see if letting air in and letting moisture out could improve the health of the skin without making the prosthetic limb feel less stable or comfortable. The team conducted a rigorous clinical trial involving 56 individuals with transfemoral amputations, where the amputation occurs through the thigh. These participants, whose average age was 56, switched back and forth between using the new vented system and a standard, non-vented system over several weeks. This crossover design allowed each person to serve as their own control, comparing how their skin felt and how they moved with both types of equipment.
The results of the trial were clear and statistically significant. Participants who used the vented AeroFit system reported a marked improvement in the health of their residual limb skin compared to when they used the standard system. This benefit was particularly noticeable among those who had previously struggled with skin issues or excessive sweating. The study found that users felt they sweated less inside the prosthesis, and their overall perception of skin health improved. Crucially, the researchers also checked whether this new ventilation system compromised the function of the prosthetic limb. They measured how much the devices restricted daily activities, how often people used their prostheses, and their general quality of life. The data showed that the vented system was just as effective as the standard one in these areas. The improved airflow did not make the limb feel loose, nor did it cause users to walk less or feel less comfortable in their daily lives.
The study also looked closely at safety. Throughout the trial, only a small number of adverse events were reported, and most were unrelated to the device itself. One specific incident involved a participant who experienced discomfort and skin discoloration, which the researchers linked to a pre-existing deep scar on the limb that interfered with the vacuum seal required for the device to work. This highlighted that while the technology is effective for most, individual anatomy still plays a critical role in how well a prosthetic fits. The researchers noted that the study had some limitations, such as its open-label nature, meaning participants knew which device they were using, which can sometimes influence how they report their feelings. However, the use of validated questionnaires and the crossover design helped ensure the findings were reliable.
Ultimately, this research demonstrates that managing the microclimate inside a prosthetic socket is a viable path to better skin health. By allowing air to circulate and moisture to escape, the AeroFit system addresses a common and often debilitating problem without sacrificing the stability or comfort that users depend on. The findings suggest that for the many people who struggle with sweat and skin irritation, a ventilated interface offers a meaningful improvement in their daily experience. While the study focused on a specific type of suspension system and a particular group of amputees, the core principle—that letting the skin breathe can lead to better health—offers a promising direction for future prosthetic designs. The work confirms that technology can evolve to work with the body's natural needs, turning a source of friction into a source of relief.
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