Responses, waterproof cover for existing prosthesis

Responses, waterproof cover for existing prosthesis

David Hendricks, CPO, FAAOP

A few days ago, I asked about waterproofing an existing prosthesis for a
patient. Here are the responses I received:

Hi David,
Your patient could look at the XeroSox as an option....
regards
Merrilee McClelland
Prosthetist Orthotist
Melbourne Australia

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Drypro makes a covering that might work. Their web site is, or
used to be, < <URL Redacted>> but a search should find it
otherwise.

Wayne Renardson, BK

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Pin systems are hard to seal . For a shower prosthesis use Arrowhead
copolymer prosthesis. It may also be used as a swim prosthesis with a heavy
duty latex sleeve like active sleeve. This active sleeve will seal the water
out of the prosthesis because of the ribbed proximal contact area. DAS MARS @
AOL Just duplicate existing prosthesis socket alignment and socket in a VFJ
jig.

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David, Contact P.R.S. in Florida. They make a cover for bathing and swimming.
I do not have any personal experience with it, but their ad says it will
retain a water-tight seal. Hope this helped. Steve, C.P.

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David, it's Ronnie. This is where the ONE STEP AHEAD Skin
sleeve really works. The patient just pulls it on when he
wants to shower or swim. Call me and we'll figure out a
size.
It's how I waterproof mine for watersports.
Thanks,
Ronnie

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Hi Dave
1. Depending on how the skin was applied and what material is used there are
often small holes in the rubber skin. I don't see why this would be a problem
with an exo, the fiberglass lamination is essentially a boat. He may get water
in through the shuttle release port, through a foot bolt opening, or as the
socket moves away from the liner.

2. A latex sleeve will keep the water out of the socket and keep liner dry.
Latex not very durable in the South, should try the black neoprene sleeves.

3. All holes can easily be sealed and the sleeve will keep water out of the
socket but he still won't have swim leg. The exo's are usually too buoyant for
swimming. If he insists on trying to take leg into deep water he should use an
ankle weight to keep prosthesis from acting like a cork. A dedicated water leg
is still preferable.

Mo

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The water will enter if there are any holes tin the skin. If there are no
holes then the water will go down the socket and through the pin suspension
hole. A tight suspension sleeve such as a Active Sleeve will
definitely seal all water from entering the top. Endolite has a waterproof
limb they fabricate for $495.00. This could be done for around $600.00 if he
can find a prosthetist that would cooperate. Wayne

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David:

The water is most likely entering from the top coming down the thigh and
entering through the socket into the shuttle system and then into the pylon
as well as entering anywhere there is a gap in the sprayed on cover. You may
want to try one of the full sleeve covers from toe to thigh and have the
client seal the cover at the thigh.

With most endo systems - once wet they are ruined so it is a good idea to
completly disassemble the prosthesis and seal all screws.

Good luck!

Bob Brown, Sr., CPO, FAAOP

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David,
Try the xerosox, distributed by PCP champion. It is a rubber cover, that
vacuum seals to the leg or arm for bating swimming etc.

Regards,

Gary A. Lamb LPO, CO, FAAOP
C.O.P.E.
Comprehensive Orthotic-Prosthetic Enterprises
1742 Hickory St.
Abilene, TX. 79601

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You may have some success with making the limb shower proof, but water proof
is never proof. A better way is to allow water to drain out. The pin will
drain water from inside the socket. If the leg is dried off afterwards it
will last for years even with steel set screws. The client can spray the
screws with wd40 or crc every few months and wipe them down. This will keep
the surface from rusting. The female pyramid at the top needs a small hole
and the lower foot connections need a hole to drain the pylon. Foam
cosmesis should be slit up the back and removed before showering or swimming
as the foam is hydroscopic and will hold moisture against the metal
components for weeks.

Stan LaCount
Beach Biotech
Virginia Beach, VA
www.LimbsRus.com

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David,
The water is getting into the leg from the suspension
pin lock--a latex sleeve should stop this. As long as
the skin is not abraded and intact it is waterproof.
Suggest he uses some type of footwear or shower shoes
to protect the skin.

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Thanks to all who responded.

David


David Hendricks, CPO, FAAOP
HOPE, Inc.
Zephyrhills, FL
www.acebrace.com
(800) 613-8852
fax: (888) 440-1217