TRANSFEMORAL SUCTION SOCKETS
Lucy Fogarty
Description
Collection
Title:
TRANSFEMORAL SUCTION SOCKETS
Creator:
Lucy Fogarty
Date:
8/27/2000
Text:
Transfemoral Suction Sockets - a different shape
I am Strathclyde University educated and am now working in Switzerland. In Switzerland the majority of transfemoral patients are fitted with suction sockets, including the very elderly and primary patient. In the UK this was not the case and indeed was felt not possible. The way we were taught to make a suction socket in the UK was to make it rather tear-drop shaped, with the proximal circumference normally being narrower than say 5cm more distal. This was to achieve a proximal seal.
However, the Swiss shape is very different, being usually conical with suction being maintained, even if the proximal area 'gaps'. This is achieved by measuring the circumference under firm tension and then asking the patient to tighten the musculature. The tape measure is released at the same time to this new measure. This is repeated for all incremental circumferences. The cast is then rectified to these measures. The cast is also shortened by 1-3cm (or wait until the check socket is made and add appropriate distal padding to fill the space).
When I first came to Switzerland, I really was very impressed by the success of these sockets. I really would encourage you to try this and I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised. The nylon donning bag is also much easier to use than bandages or a nylon sock.
Lucy Fogarty, prosthetist/orthotist BSc Hons
I am Strathclyde University educated and am now working in Switzerland. In Switzerland the majority of transfemoral patients are fitted with suction sockets, including the very elderly and primary patient. In the UK this was not the case and indeed was felt not possible. The way we were taught to make a suction socket in the UK was to make it rather tear-drop shaped, with the proximal circumference normally being narrower than say 5cm more distal. This was to achieve a proximal seal.
However, the Swiss shape is very different, being usually conical with suction being maintained, even if the proximal area 'gaps'. This is achieved by measuring the circumference under firm tension and then asking the patient to tighten the musculature. The tape measure is released at the same time to this new measure. This is repeated for all incremental circumferences. The cast is then rectified to these measures. The cast is also shortened by 1-3cm (or wait until the check socket is made and add appropriate distal padding to fill the space).
When I first came to Switzerland, I really was very impressed by the success of these sockets. I really would encourage you to try this and I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised. The nylon donning bag is also much easier to use than bandages or a nylon sock.
Lucy Fogarty, prosthetist/orthotist BSc Hons
Citation
Lucy Fogarty, “TRANSFEMORAL SUCTION SOCKETS,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 4, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/214481.
