Socket liners as shrinkers?

Socket liners as shrinkers?

Randall McFarland, CPO

Hi List members,

I have seen gel-type socket liners marketed as prosthetic shrinkers. In my
practice, I routinely have my clients wear a shrinker before I cast them
(unless they are wearing a prosthesis). For new wearers, I start with a
lightweight shrinker and move them to a strong one (up to 40-60 mmHg) as
tolerated to hopefully prolong the useful fit of the soon-to-be-casted
prosthesis.

For those of you who have used liners as shrinkers my questions are:
When do you use them in your pre-prosthetic protocol?
For what circumstances do they work best? When are they not a good idea? Are
they effective for edema reduction and shaping?

I will share your comments to the list. Please differentiate your theories
from your actual experiences.

Thanks!

Randy McFarland, CPO