#2 - Responses Re: L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency
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#2 - Responses Re: L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency
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Dear O&P List Members:
Below are the 2nd set of responses to my original post Re: L/L Prosthetic
Skin Durability & Shade Consistency
Again, many thanks to those that responded with their comments, suggestions
and experience on this subject.
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
____________________________________
Original Post
____________________________________
Dear O&P List Members:
We find ourselves continually being dissatisfied with the durability, skin
shade consistency and overall product quality control of prosthetic skins for
lower limb prostheses and would appreciate feedback on the experience of
others.
Our experience to date has mostly been with PRS, Kingsley, Otto Bock and
Skinergy L/L Prosthetic Skins, although we have looked at others.
We have also used the Alatheia and Skinergy Silicone Skins, which we have
found to not have the long-term durability; however, they do provide improved
aesthetics.
I would appreciate hearing the experiences and thoughts of others and
re-post any feedback received.
If you do not want the source of feedback revealed, please indicate this in
your reply, otherwise I will post the source of the replies.
Sincerest regards,
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
Orthotics & Prosthetics Rehabilitation Engineering Centre
Warren, Ohio USA
____________________________________
#2 - Responses
____________________________________
Hello,
I have had the same problems and complaint over the years.If you get the
skin to aesthetically match you will loose durability. I came up with a solution
for my patients. I buy PVC vinyl adhesive from Weld On. I get it in ten
gallon bucket and thin it with acentone. Lay up the finished cover with nylons or
whatever you use. I paint it on for texture and foolow with a over coat of
airbrushed vinyl for the blending effect. Use the the airbr ush to get fine
shadows and vein appearances. You can either make it permanent by spraying
directly over the foam cover or by pullin g a PVA bag over the leg and spraying.
This method will allow you to inbed an elastic band at the proximal brim to
make the entire skin removeable. This method is also easy to repair and change
shades while the patient waits. We premix our colors and mix and match as
needed.An experinced tech can pop one out in about 15 minutes. I figure the skin
process costs about five dollars in material per skin.Cheap ,reliable and
patient friendly. Hope this helps.
-Brian Moore CPO
____________________________________
Personally, We ONLY use skins that we spray in house if we want a job done
right. I know that this isn't necessarily a time saver but the result is
incomparable as far as aesthetics, cost of materials and longevity of the
covering itself. NuSkin is what we use and the results have been
fantastic-that's coming from our patients and other patients that have seen
our patient's legs. Secondary to in house sprays we use the DAW skins or
U-Flates. They save time and labor cost when it's necessary but with the
need for replacements at least once a year for our more aesthetically
finicky patients, we use these infrequently.
____________________________________
In my opinion.... with all the advances over the years in our field the area
of cosmetics has seen the least amount of progress. It is a shame.
If you can't settle for an off the shelf skin like those you previously
tried than the only option is to have the skin sprayed on though this is not
always profitable. The aesthetics is second to none. The durability factor
might be a little less than that of a PRS but is pretty much dependant on
the thickness and durability of the material sprayed.
Good luck
Sean Sullivan RTPO, CFO
____________________________________
Have you tried Prosthetics Research Specialists, Inc. Ronnie Graves
specializes in custom cosmetics for the amputee. They have a web site :
www.prostheticsresearch.com or give them a call at 800 952-6744.
Be well,
Gerald L. Gregory Jr.
O&P Student St. Petersburg College
____________________________________
Please try Dorset Orthopaedic UK, They too are leaders especially silicone
skin matching cosmesis as well durability.
Thanks
Mr.Rabinder Sahni
Prosthetics R&D, Designer lower limbs, Self user.
INDIA
____________________________________
I like the look/cosmetics of the Skinergy skins, but have had nothing but
trouble with that brand and Ossur's Flexskin (more so the Flexskin). On one
patient alone, I've had to replace her skin 4 times due to lack of adhesion
at the proximal socket! There's no stretching it back to re-glue it once
it's peeled off. So I've gone back to Daw faithfully, but agree that their
skin tones don't match everyone. I'm waiting for them to come out with a
split toe as well, I get a different answer each time I ask if it's
available yet.
I've used Otto Bock's Softtouch but feel the longevity isn't there yet.
It's very thin and wears quickly. But I like the idea that it's removed
easily for those patients who come in often for adjustments.
Jacqueline Schmit, MS, CP
Certified Prosthetist
____________________________________
Hi John,
Have you had a chance to try our Dream Skin? It is made of a very
durable micro coated vinyl and has life like cosmetics (I.E. toes veins etc).
It comes in 18 colors, is micro coated for easy cleaning and to reduce
friction.
It is water resistant, and comes expanded for easy donning and then can
be shrunk to a more custom fit with a heat gun.
It is available in a split toe and non-split toe version. 5 sizes L&R
base on foot size.
It has a 6 month warranty.
You can find more information at our web site www.fillauer.com
Kind regards,
Dennis S. Williams, CO, BOC(O)
Fillauer Companies, Inc.
____________________________________
We have had pretty good success with Alps Themoskins.
Craig Armstrong CP
SPOT
Salt Lake City, Utah
____________________________________
Franklin Applied Physics flexible protective outer surface covering have
consistently met those concerns in my practice. The one draw back is that over
time the underlying foam compresses. contact # 610.666.6645
Jim Young, CP FAAOP
Amputee Prosthetic Clinic
Tifton, GA.
____________________________________
~ End of Responses ~
L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
Below are the 2nd set of responses to my original post Re: L/L Prosthetic
Skin Durability & Shade Consistency
Again, many thanks to those that responded with their comments, suggestions
and experience on this subject.
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
____________________________________
Original Post
____________________________________
Dear O&P List Members:
We find ourselves continually being dissatisfied with the durability, skin
shade consistency and overall product quality control of prosthetic skins for
lower limb prostheses and would appreciate feedback on the experience of
others.
Our experience to date has mostly been with PRS, Kingsley, Otto Bock and
Skinergy L/L Prosthetic Skins, although we have looked at others.
We have also used the Alatheia and Skinergy Silicone Skins, which we have
found to not have the long-term durability; however, they do provide improved
aesthetics.
I would appreciate hearing the experiences and thoughts of others and
re-post any feedback received.
If you do not want the source of feedback revealed, please indicate this in
your reply, otherwise I will post the source of the replies.
Sincerest regards,
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
Orthotics & Prosthetics Rehabilitation Engineering Centre
Warren, Ohio USA
____________________________________
#2 - Responses
____________________________________
Hello,
I have had the same problems and complaint over the years.If you get the
skin to aesthetically match you will loose durability. I came up with a solution
for my patients. I buy PVC vinyl adhesive from Weld On. I get it in ten
gallon bucket and thin it with acentone. Lay up the finished cover with nylons or
whatever you use. I paint it on for texture and foolow with a over coat of
airbrushed vinyl for the blending effect. Use the the airbr ush to get fine
shadows and vein appearances. You can either make it permanent by spraying
directly over the foam cover or by pullin g a PVA bag over the leg and spraying.
This method will allow you to inbed an elastic band at the proximal brim to
make the entire skin removeable. This method is also easy to repair and change
shades while the patient waits. We premix our colors and mix and match as
needed.An experinced tech can pop one out in about 15 minutes. I figure the skin
process costs about five dollars in material per skin.Cheap ,reliable and
patient friendly. Hope this helps.
-Brian Moore CPO
____________________________________
Personally, We ONLY use skins that we spray in house if we want a job done
right. I know that this isn't necessarily a time saver but the result is
incomparable as far as aesthetics, cost of materials and longevity of the
covering itself. NuSkin is what we use and the results have been
fantastic-that's coming from our patients and other patients that have seen
our patient's legs. Secondary to in house sprays we use the DAW skins or
U-Flates. They save time and labor cost when it's necessary but with the
need for replacements at least once a year for our more aesthetically
finicky patients, we use these infrequently.
____________________________________
In my opinion.... with all the advances over the years in our field the area
of cosmetics has seen the least amount of progress. It is a shame.
If you can't settle for an off the shelf skin like those you previously
tried than the only option is to have the skin sprayed on though this is not
always profitable. The aesthetics is second to none. The durability factor
might be a little less than that of a PRS but is pretty much dependant on
the thickness and durability of the material sprayed.
Good luck
Sean Sullivan RTPO, CFO
____________________________________
Have you tried Prosthetics Research Specialists, Inc. Ronnie Graves
specializes in custom cosmetics for the amputee. They have a web site :
www.prostheticsresearch.com or give them a call at 800 952-6744.
Be well,
Gerald L. Gregory Jr.
O&P Student St. Petersburg College
____________________________________
Please try Dorset Orthopaedic UK, They too are leaders especially silicone
skin matching cosmesis as well durability.
Thanks
Mr.Rabinder Sahni
Prosthetics R&D, Designer lower limbs, Self user.
INDIA
____________________________________
I like the look/cosmetics of the Skinergy skins, but have had nothing but
trouble with that brand and Ossur's Flexskin (more so the Flexskin). On one
patient alone, I've had to replace her skin 4 times due to lack of adhesion
at the proximal socket! There's no stretching it back to re-glue it once
it's peeled off. So I've gone back to Daw faithfully, but agree that their
skin tones don't match everyone. I'm waiting for them to come out with a
split toe as well, I get a different answer each time I ask if it's
available yet.
I've used Otto Bock's Softtouch but feel the longevity isn't there yet.
It's very thin and wears quickly. But I like the idea that it's removed
easily for those patients who come in often for adjustments.
Jacqueline Schmit, MS, CP
Certified Prosthetist
____________________________________
Hi John,
Have you had a chance to try our Dream Skin? It is made of a very
durable micro coated vinyl and has life like cosmetics (I.E. toes veins etc).
It comes in 18 colors, is micro coated for easy cleaning and to reduce
friction.
It is water resistant, and comes expanded for easy donning and then can
be shrunk to a more custom fit with a heat gun.
It is available in a split toe and non-split toe version. 5 sizes L&R
base on foot size.
It has a 6 month warranty.
You can find more information at our web site www.fillauer.com
Kind regards,
Dennis S. Williams, CO, BOC(O)
Fillauer Companies, Inc.
____________________________________
We have had pretty good success with Alps Themoskins.
Craig Armstrong CP
SPOT
Salt Lake City, Utah
____________________________________
Franklin Applied Physics flexible protective outer surface covering have
consistently met those concerns in my practice. The one draw back is that over
time the underlying foam compresses. contact # 610.666.6645
Jim Young, CP FAAOP
Amputee Prosthetic Clinic
Tifton, GA.
____________________________________
~ End of Responses ~
L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
Citation
“#2 - Responses Re: L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/227654.
