Responses: BK Liner/Suspension Recommendations - Part II

Responses: BK Liner/Suspension Recommendations - Part II

Lisa Urso, CPO

Continuation of responses.
_______________________________________

The seal-in is an awesome liner from my experience for a more cylindrical
shaped limb but for a conical shaped limb I would suggest using a distal cup from
Ossur along with the liner. This will take some volume up where the seal is.

My other suggestion is to look into the custom liners by Freedom and just use
a sleeve on top of that for suction suspension. These liners would be good
considering some of the hygiene issues.
_______________________________________
Following product demos and training days at our centre, we have recently
been trialing two new types of liner: the Seal In and the Alps cushion liner with
sleeve/suction suspension.

Firstly, the Seal In has been hugely successful, particularly with higher
activity patients. It can be ordered as stabilo or dermo - I think your patient
would like the softness of the dermo which is also nice to the skin. Those who
were previously suction wearers liked getting rid of the sleeve and find the
suspension is excellent, the only minor problem has been that the sizing has
been a little large, maybe talk to your local Ossur rep about loaner units to
check? One huge advantage is the clearance isn't a problem as you've no lock. As
for valves - we've been using a small valve from ossur that can be screwed in
post-production - remember to keep it low. Ottobock also make a good one
thats a little easier for the patient to find - some need to let air in to get the
leg off! Can't remember specific part no.s sorry!

The Alps reinforced fabric liner has a nice surface and flow properties that
are better for sensitive stumps and can tolerate having space distally. We
have used these as cushion liners and as suction with sleeves such as the Iceross
Endurance and a small valve (such as the centri valve). Also there is the
VIVA sleeve from Alps that has an integrated valve.

I would happily recommend either of these for your patient, the Seal In is
lighter, the Alps nice to the skin. As I said we've only been trialling these
for a few months, so can't comment on longetivity, but both these manufacturers
have a good track record.
______________________________________

End of Responses.
Thanks again for sharing your valuable experience.

Lisa Urso, CPO
Albuquerque O & P