RESENT: HSubject: TRANSFEMORAL SUCTION SOCKETS
Lucy Fogarty Ms
Description
Collection
Title:
RESENT: HSubject: TRANSFEMORAL SUCTION SOCKETS
Creator:
Lucy Fogarty Ms
Date:
9/1/2000
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.=20
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.=20
Lucy Fogarty, prosthetist/orthotist BSc Hons
Citation
Lucy Fogarty Ms, “RESENT: HSubject: TRANSFEMORAL SUCTION SOCKETS,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 15, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/215018.
