Low Profile Lock - Responses

Low Profile Lock - Responses

John T. Brinkmann, CPO

7/6/2000

Thanks to all who responded.

John B.

Question:
What is the lowest profile locking mechanism for locking liners? I'm
 planning on using an Alpha Liner, and need to minimize the overall
 socket length as much as possible. Any fab tips on minimizing the
 distance are welcome, as well.

Responses:

A lanier cord or strap passed through a slot at the distal socket and
secured
outside the socket is probably the finest way to attach the prosthesis
securely and reduce overall length.

Bob Brown, Sr., CPO, FAAOP

***********
Otto Bock makes a single click lock used mostly for uppers.....

************
How about the thickness of a one inch Velcro strap, attached to the
distal Alpha and a slot in the anterior distal socket to either a glued
piece of Velcro on the anterior socket or a chafe and ring attached to
the
anterior socket for the Velcro to loop through. I have used this
successfully on several TF sockets. The only warning: use a washer over
the
head of the bolt through the Velcro, otherwise it may pull off. Ed
Roman,
CP

***********

As a clinical based Prosthetist working for a manufacturer I always have

reservations of answering these types of questions, however I do come
across these situations frequently.
The lowest profile locking solution that I know of is the lanyard
(string)
attachment. All other options rely on a pin, the pin then becomes the
deciding factor for the build height. the lock profile may be small but
the
pin will pass through it and must be recessed into the more distal
componentry.

In my experience shortening the pin works, but makes initial connection
while donning the prosthesis difficult and in some cases impossible.

Another consideration is the elongation of the distal tissues, when
using
the distal end of a gel sleeve for suspension we expect the soft tissue
to
displace distally. this effectively lengthens the stump reducing the
space
further for components.
The only solution I know for this is to use a liner with longitudinal
distal stabilisation (the Matrix, in the Iceross).
The Matrix reduces elongation by providing a more stable environment for

the distal tissues.

Perhaps this is worth consideration not only in this situation!

Please feel free to contact me if you would like more info.

Regards
Ian Fothergill,
Prosthetist
Össur (UK) Ltd

*****
Take a look at the Alpha Lock.
C. Burdette CPO