Swim prostheses - Answer posting

Swim prostheses - Answer posting

Wieland Kaphingst

Colleagues, thank you very much for your useful answers. I will be happy to
let you know how I solved the problem, once I am done.

Wieland Kaphingst CP

Original question:

A transfemoral patient, female, functional level 3, tendency toward 4,
relatively long residual limb, wants a swim prosthesis.

The idea:

Standard prosthesis, flexible socket with an easy-on / easy-off quick detach
frame (socket shall be kept on in the water, prosthesis otherwise detached).
The socket should also allow for quick connection/disconnection of some
specific swim components (she is an active swimmer).

Anyone with specific or related experience out there?
Components available? If so where?

Thank you for your help and hints.

Sincerely

Wieland Kaphingst, CP

Answers:
>>
Hello my name is Luis Alicea and I am a swimmer I went to the
Para-Olympics 96 in swimming and I might have some information on swim
legs you might want. Give me a call at xxx (don't want to publish this
telephone number without permission)<<


>>
I have a bilateral AK amputee that we made a pair of swim legs for. I used
the Active ankle from Rampro and attached it directly to the end of the
socket then I used a Carbon keel 0 heel height foot from Kingsley. The
patient swam very well and didn't have his flippers hit each other. I don't
know how a unilateral amputee would do with a foot and flipper so close to
the socket ( due to leverage). You might want to ask Mike Ross at Rampro. I
don't directly have his # but his address is 2021 Sheridan Rd., Leucadia, CA
92024. Please let me know what works for you. -Karl Barner, CPO<<


>>I've done 3 of these in the past year. All with slightly different
variations, but all with an Aulie knee and Seattle light foot. Have gone
swimming (lengths) with one of them and was amazed that he actually got
propulsion from the prosthesis. I'd seen it in the Otto Bock video on their
3R75 knee (now discontinued) and was sceptical this could work. I
originally tried the Active ankle from The New Generation (Michael Ross) in
order to plantar flex the foot completely, but have not found the additional
expense and weight to be advantageous in improving the swimming technique
for these 3 individuals at this point. The attachment between the knee and
socket has been an Otto Bock claw (4R41). The single screw has been easy to
loosen and tighten to re-install the regular prosthetic components after
swimming.

One client has a modified silicone suction liner and uses a wet fit
technique to don the socket. The other 2 are using standard skin-suction.
I've had to tighten one swim socket more snugly than for the one every day
use. Water may run into the socket and cause suction loss for individuals
not having good muscle control. If the fit is really loose, rolling on a
very thin silicone liner over the RL, will likely resolve that issue.

The inserts are held inside the frame with 3 pieces of Velcro and also the
suction valve housing aids in holding the 2 parts together.
Though quick removal of the insert away from the frame hasn't been an issue,
just using both hands to peal away the velcro is relatively easy.

PS, Wieland,I can send you some photographs of this set-up if you're
interested.<<


>>Of course there is the Ferrier coupler, but you might consider TEC's
technique for the socket that attaches to the main socket with a shuttle
lock.
Perhaps a lanyard to attach the inner socket to the outer one? .
I just put a Aulie 802 Nylon knee (single axis and locking with hydraulic
control and extension assist) Its impervious to water. Even if she doesn't go
in the water with it she will be near water so it will survive easily<<


>>Wieland, look at a Ferrier Coupler. I can give more detail if you wish.<<

>>We made an ankle from yachting components that allows rotation from normal
foot position to swimming position, we have been making them for about 10
years but only for our patients, we tried a few of the commercially
available ankles but with no success. We have bilateral scuba instructors to
competitive swimmers using this ankle. If you would like I can send you some
photos it is very inexpensive to make.<<

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