Which areas are relieved by the patella tendon bearing socket?

• A. Anterior tibia, tibial crest, fibular head, and fibular nerve
• B. Distal femur and patella
• C. Patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon
• D. Lateral knee ligaments

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how a patellar tendon bearing (PTB) socket distributes load and protects sensitive areas of the residual limb. In a PTB design, weight is carried mainly by the patellar tendon region, which acts as a primary weight-bearing surface. Because the goal is to avoid high pressure on other vulnerable spots, the socket is shaped to relieve certain bony prominences and a nearby nerve.

Specifically, relief is provided over the anterior tibia and tibial crest, as well as around the fibular head where the common peroneal nerve runs near the surface. By not pressing firmly on these areas, the socket minimizes pain and risk of nerve compression, while transferring the load to the patellar tendon region.

The other areas listed—distal femur and patella, the patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon, or the lateral knee ligaments—are not the intended relief zones for this socket design. The patellar tendon region is the weight-bearing area, not a relief area, and the design does not aim to relieve the lateral knee ligaments.