Socket Designs

The socket serves as the interface between the residual limb and the prosthesis. It must not only protect the residual limb but must also appropriately transmit the forces associated with standing and walking.

Below Knee Prosthesis:

• Patellar Tendon Bearing (PTB): This involves using specific anatomy like the patella tendon, popliteal fossa, and the medial flair for weight bearing.
• Total Surface bearing (TSB): This involves using tension values to uniformly distribute the weight over the entire residual limb. The goal is to achieve an interface design that uniformly delivers a minimum amount of skin pressure. This usually involves the use of a gel sleeve that helps redistribute notorious pressure areas in the residual limb.

   

"Neither socket will work well for every amputee. Our prosthetist still needs to work with you individually to fit a socket that meets your needs"

Above Knee Prosthesis:

• Quadrilateral socket or Quad: Wide mediolateral dimension and a narrower anteroposterior dimension.
• Ischial Containment Socket ICS or CAT/CAM: Wide anteroposterior dimension and a narrow mediolateral dimension
• Marlo Anatomical Socket or MAS: Anatomical design www.ortizinternacional.com
• Total Surface Bearing or TSB


The suspension mechanism:

Every prosthesis requires some type of suspension system to keep it from falling off the residual limb. Suspension can be achieved by a variety methods, Including the following:

• Self-suspension of the socket: This makes use of the anatomic shape of the residual limb (Syme or knee disarticulation).
• Suction suspension: Methods of creating suction suspension include the use of an appropriate suction socket design, of a gel suspension liner.
• Harness: These include belts, cuffs, wedges, straps, and sleeves

Please be free to contact us for an informal chat about your requirements.