Cosmetics responce 2
Description
Collection
Title:
Cosmetics responce 2
Date:
7/22/2009
Text:
The response to my comment/question was more then I expected. I also want to clarify I was speaking about making the bare socket of an uncovered prosthesis (without cosmetic cover) more cosmetic and with a finished look. A number of responses addressed cosmetic covers, which appears to be an issue as well.
Some of you old timers like me may recall when Otto Bock introduced the endoskeletal system in the 1970s first on the list of importance in their Technical Bulletin was “Cosmetics”
Thanks to all that responded.
It's a question of priorities. Any such cosmetic features add weight and bulk but do not enhance function. Many amputees today prefer to wear a bare-bones prosthesis over an unsuccessful effort to conceal a prosthesis that everyone they care about is already well aware of.
Al think the issue is that there are so few that will take the time and
craftsmanship to make a presentable covered limb. That and the larger
companies that provide the components want their product seen. I can't
think of a single c-leg I ever saw covered at least well. The Uk would
rather spend more money on the covering than on what is inside as they
feel in the end it is better for the client. As a amputee myself there
is something said for your point. I have tested and worn every foot in
the industry all are great all can do so many things but really I walk
no better using a $250 Cambell-Childs foot than I do the top o
f the line
foot. but as I have gotten older and more experienced and the novelty
of being a amputee has worn off. I think the next leg I build for
myself will be covered. Not so I hide my being a amputee but because
hey been on Larry King been there done that and frankly I am not my leg
or lack thereof. So I agree a good cover is worth it. I think as one
matures as a amputee that having a good cover is wanted simply for the
time saved and issues not asked in a busy world. The Industry shows
their products get folks back to life so why should we not just do that
and stop being seen as a novelty?
Thank you Al Pike!!
I too am concerned about the lack of understanding and skill on the part of some prosthetists regarding the issue of cosmetics. In the push for ever more hi tech components it is becoming the norm to go without a cover. Granted, for those young male (and female) amputees, if this is their choice, go for it. However, as a woman, I do not wish to present myself to the world looking like a comic book action hero.
Of course, function comes first, but in the rush to push technology, I think sometimes the profession doesn't realize the importance of the emotional and psychological impact looking down and seeing a leg can make in one's body image and self esteem. Back in 1962, when I received my first carved wooden leg, I cried. It was a crude but serviceable leg. At least an attempt was made to make=2
0it look human, and I could go back to school feeling semi comfortable about my appearance. The covers since then have improved greatly. I am under no delusion that mine looks like a real leg, but it's darn close. I feel sorry for the gals, young or old who, having survived whatever trauma to loose their limb, are faced with having to go out in public with nothing but a pylon and an athletic shoe attached. This is a fashion disaster. One's personal appearance is a valid issue.
I have on occasion gone without a cosmetic cover. As a transpelvic amputee, I'm dealing with 3 joints. I can tell you from experience this can be hazardous to your remaining limbs. I get my fingers pinched, it destroys your clothes, leaves dings and dents in my car, and you cannot cross your legs. The only clothing that works are loose, flowing long skirts (a hemi burka!). I consider myself a very well adjusted amputee but I do not like having to put up with the stares and stupid comments from strangers in public. It's annoying and gets old fast.
I thank my prosthetists for the care they have put into making my leg acceptable to me. Like Al, I guess I'm old school, but as I like to say...for an old broad with one leg, I look adorable. Just my 2 cents.
Hi Al: as a woman I think I'd want my prosthesis to look like a real leg. Yet I think that there can be beauty in an unfinished prosthesis. Perhaps younger people and athletes think
it's cool that everyone sees their high tech feet, carbon fiber pylons, and lightweight sockets. I think these components are cool and I understand why people flaunt it. Instead of the public focusing on a hidden disability they are seeing a wonderfully functioning prosthesis that is letting the amputee do all these great activities. So a prosthesis becomes cool instead of something to be pitied. Instead of adding foam to shape the socket I'd laminate in a nice design or bright colors. The American flag, a tattoo of a butterfly, or an eagle are things that come to mind. I try to do that with orthoses, especially for kids and young adults. People are going to see it so let's make it pleasing, not some white plastic thing. Flesh color AFO? You're not fooling anyone. Also remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If the amputee is happy with his prosthesis unfinished then I'm not about to push the issue. If he or she wants it cosmetically covered then I'll cover it. With some knees and feet I think a cover looks terrible because the components are so bulky but I'll do it. If they like the way it looks unfinished who am I to argue.
Al....
You are asking a logical sensible question......no! If no-one pays no-one does!
Hi Al,
I have been at this since 1982, not quite as long as you, but certainly
remember spending more=2
0than a few hours shaping exo legs to create the
illusion of anatomic symmetry or using the reverse cast with the liquid
foam over pylons. You can make a beautiful cosmesis but it does not
last or taking it on and off for service work or an alignment tweak and
pretty soon it just does not look all that great. Our technology for
covers just has not kept pace, or at a price, that pushes the envelope
of this important facet of using a prosthesis for many users. Reading
the programs for our meetings, cosmesis is not much talked about. Your
question seems a bit more of a plea, yes?
I understand your problem. I find that most people these days are all about pushing out any crap they can put together to call it a leg and get it billed. I have always taken a personal charge in making all prosthetics as visually appealing as possible. I am one of few that takes on restorations in house. Anaplastology isn't for everyone and trust me, the time it take to produce one is cost prohibited. I have pulled the wooden sockets, shaped the exo until my lungs are full of dust. I have the scars to prove the pine cone wounds from shaping the foam. I actually enjoy the process. These days it is all about money and if the techs aren't trained or even the practitioners have no hand skills ,it is our patients who suffer. It is a lost art, and I am afraid that when the rest of us old school brace and leg makers disappear, it will all be
gone. Good luck.
Some of you old timers like me may recall when Otto Bock introduced the endoskeletal system in the 1970s first on the list of importance in their Technical Bulletin was “Cosmetics”
Thanks to all that responded.
It's a question of priorities. Any such cosmetic features add weight and bulk but do not enhance function. Many amputees today prefer to wear a bare-bones prosthesis over an unsuccessful effort to conceal a prosthesis that everyone they care about is already well aware of.
Al think the issue is that there are so few that will take the time and
craftsmanship to make a presentable covered limb. That and the larger
companies that provide the components want their product seen. I can't
think of a single c-leg I ever saw covered at least well. The Uk would
rather spend more money on the covering than on what is inside as they
feel in the end it is better for the client. As a amputee myself there
is something said for your point. I have tested and worn every foot in
the industry all are great all can do so many things but really I walk
no better using a $250 Cambell-Childs foot than I do the top o
f the line
foot. but as I have gotten older and more experienced and the novelty
of being a amputee has worn off. I think the next leg I build for
myself will be covered. Not so I hide my being a amputee but because
hey been on Larry King been there done that and frankly I am not my leg
or lack thereof. So I agree a good cover is worth it. I think as one
matures as a amputee that having a good cover is wanted simply for the
time saved and issues not asked in a busy world. The Industry shows
their products get folks back to life so why should we not just do that
and stop being seen as a novelty?
Thank you Al Pike!!
I too am concerned about the lack of understanding and skill on the part of some prosthetists regarding the issue of cosmetics. In the push for ever more hi tech components it is becoming the norm to go without a cover. Granted, for those young male (and female) amputees, if this is their choice, go for it. However, as a woman, I do not wish to present myself to the world looking like a comic book action hero.
Of course, function comes first, but in the rush to push technology, I think sometimes the profession doesn't realize the importance of the emotional and psychological impact looking down and seeing a leg can make in one's body image and self esteem. Back in 1962, when I received my first carved wooden leg, I cried. It was a crude but serviceable leg. At least an attempt was made to make=2
0it look human, and I could go back to school feeling semi comfortable about my appearance. The covers since then have improved greatly. I am under no delusion that mine looks like a real leg, but it's darn close. I feel sorry for the gals, young or old who, having survived whatever trauma to loose their limb, are faced with having to go out in public with nothing but a pylon and an athletic shoe attached. This is a fashion disaster. One's personal appearance is a valid issue.
I have on occasion gone without a cosmetic cover. As a transpelvic amputee, I'm dealing with 3 joints. I can tell you from experience this can be hazardous to your remaining limbs. I get my fingers pinched, it destroys your clothes, leaves dings and dents in my car, and you cannot cross your legs. The only clothing that works are loose, flowing long skirts (a hemi burka!). I consider myself a very well adjusted amputee but I do not like having to put up with the stares and stupid comments from strangers in public. It's annoying and gets old fast.
I thank my prosthetists for the care they have put into making my leg acceptable to me. Like Al, I guess I'm old school, but as I like to say...for an old broad with one leg, I look adorable. Just my 2 cents.
Hi Al: as a woman I think I'd want my prosthesis to look like a real leg. Yet I think that there can be beauty in an unfinished prosthesis. Perhaps younger people and athletes think
it's cool that everyone sees their high tech feet, carbon fiber pylons, and lightweight sockets. I think these components are cool and I understand why people flaunt it. Instead of the public focusing on a hidden disability they are seeing a wonderfully functioning prosthesis that is letting the amputee do all these great activities. So a prosthesis becomes cool instead of something to be pitied. Instead of adding foam to shape the socket I'd laminate in a nice design or bright colors. The American flag, a tattoo of a butterfly, or an eagle are things that come to mind. I try to do that with orthoses, especially for kids and young adults. People are going to see it so let's make it pleasing, not some white plastic thing. Flesh color AFO? You're not fooling anyone. Also remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If the amputee is happy with his prosthesis unfinished then I'm not about to push the issue. If he or she wants it cosmetically covered then I'll cover it. With some knees and feet I think a cover looks terrible because the components are so bulky but I'll do it. If they like the way it looks unfinished who am I to argue.
Al....
You are asking a logical sensible question......no! If no-one pays no-one does!
Hi Al,
I have been at this since 1982, not quite as long as you, but certainly
remember spending more=2
0than a few hours shaping exo legs to create the
illusion of anatomic symmetry or using the reverse cast with the liquid
foam over pylons. You can make a beautiful cosmesis but it does not
last or taking it on and off for service work or an alignment tweak and
pretty soon it just does not look all that great. Our technology for
covers just has not kept pace, or at a price, that pushes the envelope
of this important facet of using a prosthesis for many users. Reading
the programs for our meetings, cosmesis is not much talked about. Your
question seems a bit more of a plea, yes?
I understand your problem. I find that most people these days are all about pushing out any crap they can put together to call it a leg and get it billed. I have always taken a personal charge in making all prosthetics as visually appealing as possible. I am one of few that takes on restorations in house. Anaplastology isn't for everyone and trust me, the time it take to produce one is cost prohibited. I have pulled the wooden sockets, shaped the exo until my lungs are full of dust. I have the scars to prove the pine cone wounds from shaping the foam. I actually enjoy the process. These days it is all about money and if the techs aren't trained or even the practitioners have no hand skills ,it is our patients who suffer. It is a lost art, and I am afraid that when the rest of us old school brace and leg makers disappear, it will all be
gone. Good luck.
Citation
“Cosmetics responce 2,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/230487.
