#1 - Responses Re: L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency

#1 - Responses Re: L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency

Dear O&P List Members:
 
Below and in the following posts you will find copies of the responses to my
original post Re: L/L Prosthetic Skin Durability & Shade Consistency
 
I have taken the liberty of editing out any comments that may be viewed as
irrelevant to the purpose and intent of my post, which was, first, to seek
your input on a better solution for my patients and, second, to bring to light
the challenging problem I suspect we all face with the durability and shade
consistency of L/L prosthetic skins.
 
Many thanks to those that responded with their comments, suggestions and
experience on this subject.
 
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
 
  
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Original Post
  
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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
 
  
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#1 - Responses
  
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John,

Regarding your posting below that appeared in yesterday’s list serve I would
like to mention that yes, you did try two of our legskin when they were
initially introduced in the summer of 2001. We have made improvements and have
demonstrated that it is by far more durable than anything on the market today.
 This was accomplished through a great deal of trial and experience since.

We have heard the same comments repeatedly regarding the other companies you
mentioned and have heard comments from our customers such as, “there is no
other leg skin on the market.” While we may not perfect we do strive to be
the best. John, I would invite you to give us another chance – it has been
FIVE years.

Respectfully,
Emil Dovan
Alatheia Prosthetic Rehabilitation
 
SPECIAL NOTE: In all fairness to Alatheia and my experience with their L/L
Prosthetic Skins, I acknowledge that it has been nearly 5 years since we
tried their skins. Based on Emil Dovan's reply and the indication they have made
improvements in their skins, I plan to give their skins another try! As I
indicated in my original post, the aesthetics of the silicone skins we have
tried are not an issue and, in fact, have been found to be exceptionally
aesthetic over PVC or Urethane skins. Given the known material difference between
silicone and PVC or urethane, durability was the only issue. I am anxious
to again try their skins again, based on Mr. Dovan's kind reply and their
stated commitment toward continuing quality improvement in their products.
 
  
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Hi John:

Nice to see another one of your great questions for the field.

As you know, I work for Fillauer and of course I am bias as to who's skin is
the best. Our Dream Skin, made by Centri is a vinyl skin with a Teflon like
coating that makes it feel like skin, stay clean and not stick to the
clothing. It is very durable, as far as I know the only one with a 6 month warranty.
It is extra thick in the foot and heel areas for added strength.
It is an expanded vinyl so you just pull it on and shrink it down to the
cover with a heat gun. Best of all, you can use any vinyl cement of super glue
to adhere it to the socket. 18 colors, 5 sizes that accommodate size 21 to 30
cm feet. Regular or split toe.
 
As far as clinical results I can say only that my customers tell there
friends about them and usually switch over to Dream Skin after trying one. Centri
has sold over 50,000 worldwide and they have been on the market for 3 years
now.

Happy Holidays,
Jack Richmond
Southeastern Area Sales Manager
The Fillauer Companies
 
  
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John,
I have to say that while I really *HATE* the sales calls from DAW, I still
use the DAWSkin product because it seems to be the must durable of the ones
I have used.

Brett Saunders
 
  
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John,
I have been pleased with Alatheia. They will custom reinforce areas in
their skins where early wear is an issue for a patient. I have had several
toe and/or heel reinforcements done with good success. A lot of my patients
need socket replacements before the skin wears out. (And, I make a good
socket.)

Dave A. Janke CPO
Portland OR
 
  
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Hello John
As a technician and owner of a central fabrication facility I have used many
different cosmetic coverings and the one I prefer the most is one that is
sprayed on in the facility. In heavy wear areas you spray it on just a bit
thicker or with a more durable stockinette. We used to spray with different
color pigments that allowed us to match any Otto Bock color swatch.

 
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I personally like Centri's dream skin.I have used many of them and have
had very few complants.It also comes in a split toe design.

Randy E. Roberson CP
 
  
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(End of #1 Responses)