Responses: Durable BK Suspension sleeve?

Responses: Durable BK Suspension sleeve?

Vincent Gest

1/19/2006

Thank you everyone for contributing your experience and valuable
information. Here is my original email inquiry:

I'm looking for the most durable BK suspension sleeve possible. I have two
extremely active adult males with Exoskeletal BK prostheses. They both use a
shuttle lock for primary suspension and a sleeve for secondary suspension.

They both work in refractory construction. One goes on extended canoe trips
in the Michigan lakes and tributaries (portaging his canoe through knee-deep
water, kneeling in the canoe, etc). The other does a lot of roofing as a
side job (kneeling, carrying heavy loads, etc).

The standard neoprene or elastic sleeves only last 2-3 months. They prefer a
sleeve that has a wrap-around Velcro strap to maintain tension on the thigh.

Any ideas would be helpful.

Here are the responses I received. In an effort to maintain anonymity, I
removed the names of those who responded. In the case of manufacturer
responses, it was impossible to completely remove any identifying
information. I'm crossing my fingers that HIPAA doesn't catch up with me...
;)

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The Fillauer Companies has released a new suspension sleeve that is
extremely durable. It is called the Absolute Suspension Sleeve and is
reinforced on the inside over the knee as well as on the outside. It is
made of Thermoplastic Elastomer and is covered with Spectralon (which is
similar to Kevlar) and gives the sleeve its strength.
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Try thinking in a different direction. Use some medium neoprene to cover the
proximal/anterior portion of the socket to provide a softer bearing surface
when the patients kneel down. I would start with a thicker than expected pad
and sand it down to accommodate the users preferences. Hope this suggestion
helps.
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Alps SFR-6 and have them use knee pads!
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know its outdated Vince, but I've been using a cuff strap for over 30 years
held on with Velcro and haven't had any problems as long as I replace the
Velcro about twice a year.
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I have a handful of customers here in the SE who had patients with similar
issues. We ended up going with the ESP preflex sleeve. This sleeve has a 3
month warranty--I have not come across any other sleeve with a warranty.
One of these patients is an avid kayaker in the FL, Keys ( the preflexion in
the sleeve is a tremendous benefit for him). The sleeves are neoprene but
hold up better then anything else on the market. Dana Bowman (BI-lateral
AK/BK sky diver wears the sleeve). Your best bet is to contact: Janet at
E.S.P 888-932-7377
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I have found a sleeve from eurointernational to have promise. I have only
used it on one pt so far so I don't have a big track record with it yet, but
having seen and felt it makes me think it is going to be a very durable
sleeve�she got the new sleeve before the holidays and has not called yet.
The sleeve is called ContexGel their website is www.eurointl.com. Their
# is 800-378-2480. Good luck.
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I have a patient who is a lumberjack and we have been through a few brands
of sleeves. The Syncor Durasleeve is the best that we have tried. In my
opinion they all could be made better and should last longer.
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try the aegis sleeve...i have been happy with them.
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YOU MIGHT TRY THE MICA PROSTHETICS SLEEVES. THE SUSPENSION SLEEVE 5MM
WAS DESIGNED BY HEAVY DUTY USERS. CALL ME AT 1-800-321-1264. AL AT PEL
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May I suggest the Flexisleeve or Flexisport from ESP. Both carry a 3month
guarantee. You can see the products on our website at www.wearesp.com
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My recent years of experience with ContexGel sleeves by Streifeneder has
been good. They are the most durable that I have provided. I saw
Fillauer's new inserts and sleeves but have not yet tried them. The price
is definitely not good for managed care reimbursement, but they look to be
the best that I have seen.
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SPS has a new durable rubber suspension sleeve which we just started using.
With are extremely active patients it works really well.
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Have you tried padding the socket trimlines or using a gaitor sleeve (Otto
bock) to protect the edges more? I'm a fan of the Alps easy sleeve which
you can get in a 6mm gel instead of 3mm. However, it's more expensive and
doesn't include any Velcro straps for the thigh. OWW offers an Alpha sleeve
that has material in the midsection near the trimlines as well. I've only
seen it used once, so I don't know about the longevity yet... The other
option would be leaving the inner, locking liner long and reflecting it over
the socket edges to mate with the suspension sleeve on the outside. It
would make the knee area bulkier, though.
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You might want to consider construction of a slip-cover to protect the
sleeve from the abusive kneeling and bumping. Please contact the Technical
Services at OB 800-328-4058 and ask for Scott, Marc, Jim or Jerry. I'm sure
they will help you or suggest another option.
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Your interest in BK suspension sleeves is quite interesting and you have
presented some difficult cases for review. Ohio Willow Wood offers two
different BK suction seals that may be worth your consideration. Both our
Original Suction Seal and our Spirit Suction Seal have fabric on both the
outside of the seal as well as on the interior of the sleeve to protect the
sleeve from the trim lines of the socket. The fabric on the Spirit Suction
Seal is designed to work with Velcro, so that may be a good fit for one of
your patients. Here is the link to our website where you can get more info
-
<URL Redacted>
I will tell you, though, that these two extreme patients you have described
may still go through these seals more quickly than you would like. Our
seals are certainly more durable than sleeves without any fabric on them,
but the constant shear force created by roofing could be a challenge.
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For those of you who care to know, I've decided to contact Hosmer and take a
look at their Absolute Sleeve. If it's truly comparable to Kevlar fabric, it
should show some promise for this application.

Thanks again, Vince



Vincent Gest, CP
Prosthetic & Orthotic Group, Inc.
805-278-8120

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