responses to the scuba diving leg

responses to the scuba diving leg

rhett smith

4/22/2015

thanks for all the responses! here are a couple that i got.


I've had success with vacuum suspended with freedom foot endo

Vacuum was the Airpuck by 5280prosthetics
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We have made a Scuba Leg using the AirPuck. You can see more at
www.5280prosthetics.com


Chris Wilson, MSM
Director of Sales and Client Services
www.5280prosthetics.com
303-888-6115
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 I just recently fabricated a swimming leg for a BK amputee. It consisted
of a BK socket with a locking liner. The lock was a Coyote Design Air Lock.
Otto Bock Aqualine components were used. They are basically standard BK
components but are designed so that water does not get trapped. I
fabricated an exo type rigid cover that had hole drilled in it to allow for
neutral buoyancy.
   I don't know if the patient wore a suspension sleeve or not to help keep
water out of the socket. The Air Lock is all plastic except for 3 small
springs so no worries about corrosion.
   Hope this helps. Feel free to call with any questions.

David Cosper
DC Performance Carbon
530 852 0727

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As an above knee amputee, I would dive without a prosthesis. It was easy
when diving from the boat, but from shore, I had help bringing the
equipment in the water. I felt much more free without the prosthesis in the
water and diving was no problem with one fin. Of course the trans-tibial is
a different case, but I know of someone who used a socket with a fin
attached directly to it which was much easier to propel in the water. If
he/she is using a wet suit, that should help with suspension. A waterproof
pin suspension from coyote would work fine if no wet suit was worn.

Andy d'Entremont C.P.(c)
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Rhett,
* Utilizing the Freedom foot is a good idea. We were able to utilize
endoskeleton system. Make sure the angulation, clamp and attachment screws
are stainless or non-corrosive. A thermal plastic (Poly-pro or Modified
Poly-ethelyne) socket.
* Coyote Design Airlock and socket attachment plate (See Coyote Design's
web site). Their Airlock is all high impact plastic w/3 Stainless steel
springs and water resistant.
* With the Coyote system the locking pin alignment and foot (Fin) alignment
are separate. Align the foot/fin for diving as a few degrees off can change
the water displacement and cost efficiency of oxygen.
* A full length uncut liner of your choice. A non-fabric liner with socks
would be my choice.
 * Think of utilizing 1/2 to 1 wide water proof tape like used with
Colonostomey Bag flanges (Med/Surg Supply ) wrapping around proximal liner
and onto the thigh as prevention of liner rolling down and/or water getting
in under liner and breaking the seal.
Hope this was helpful

Sam Brouillette, CP, CFo
SPS Clinical Services
<Email Address Redacted>
770-596-9938
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Rhett, If you make an exo leave an opening so it can fill with water so it
isn't so buoyant. I filled a fifty five gallon drum one time and even with
the opening it still floated. Might be better with an endo, won't have so
much resistance going thru the water since it is so much smaller in volume
and won't be buoyant. The free style is the way to go. Use some type of
sealing sleeve to keep water out of socket. Bill Leimkuehler CPO