FW: Hemipelvectomy prosthesis technical questions

FW: Hemipelvectomy prosthesis technical questions

Summers, Michell

7/12/1999

PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM YOUR MAILING LIST!! Thanks

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Prusakowski [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Monday, July 12, 1999 8:19 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Hemipelvectomy prosthesis technical questions


Hello,

Christina Skoski requested that I post this to oandp-l. Please direct
all
responses directly to her at <Email Address Redacted>

Thanks-
Paul Prusakowski, CPO


Dear Paul,
Could you please post this to the O&P?






It's Christina again, L hemipelvectomy. Been walking without assitive
aid for 37+yrs. Two yrs ago I broke a rib (10th, R, anterior axillary
line), right at the edge of my old hard laminated socket. Got a new
prosthesis with the double layer, carbon fiber, rigid support to the
waist,
and inner bioplastic liner brought up high up over the ribcage. I
like
and need this support for my back, it keeps me from twisting and
dipping.
The opening is R side. It has been extremely comfortable, no problems
at
all for 2 yrs, until last week when I broke the same rib again, same
place.
 I didn't think this plastic stuff could do that, nor did I feel I was
weight bearing in the ribs. It may have been excessive repetative
stresses, ( I had the leg on for about 14 hrs before it cracked, active
as
usual, bending a lot), OR I might be slipping out underneath. I have a
significant scoliosis and some degree of osteoporosis.

Question: How can I get these stresses off my ribs? I know this
concept
works for me, we just need to refine it. Anyone have any suggestions
as
to how to specifically modify my existing socket to get more containment
and support below? Can this be accomplished with thermoflex only, or
will
I require a new rigid frame as well? Do we need to come under the
sound
side? Will thinning the plastic at the edge be sufficient? I don't
want
to trim it down, I will just piston and drop into the socket more. I
like
this style socket, it works for me, have no interest in silicone or
rubber,
also like my CP, not looking for another. Just need some input and some
suggestions from those with experience as to how best build a solid
foundation and get the stresses off my ribs, with a minimum of time and
effort. Any suggestions or solutions are appreciated. Now in my early
50's, must I curtail my activities or time spent walking/wearing my leg?
I
still have a lot of energy.

Thank you,
Christina Skoski MD
<Email Address Redacted>
www.hphdhelp.org