If you have suffered a lower limb amputation, you surely have previous knowledge about the different types of leg prostheses that exist, discovering that there are different types of devices that vary in quality and price, therefore, you want to acquire the one that suits you. to your needs, however, the prostheses are made up of different parts, very important for their functioning and comfort of the amputee, and this is where the socket should not go unnoticed.
What is a socket?
The socket, also known as socket, is the component that serves as a connection between the residual limb or stump, and the rest of the prosthesis. The socket is one of the most important elements of a prosthesis for amputees, its function is to transmit the force of the amputated limb to the rest of the prosthesis and keep the prosthesis attached to the body.
socket types
Conventional socket.
This type of socket is usually attached to the hip area.
Its design is similar to a cone.
Foursquare Socket
Its design consists of irregular contours, the shape of the interior forms four sides, presenting incoming and outgoing parts, these parts facilitate holding and pressing some areas of the stump (support zones), which aims to support the weight, and at the same time the protruding parts of the sides, relieve those excessive pressures on the contracting muscles (ie, decompression zones).
The socket is composed of 5 parts, which refer to the human morphology in which the stump is composed. The parts are:
- anterior wall
- medial wall
- rear wall
- side wall
- ischial support
Full Contact Socket
The total contact of the stump is one of the characteristics of the current quadrangular sockets, presenting improvements in the blood circulation of the stump, avoiding the formation of dermatological problems; In addition to contributing to better pressure distribution, it stimulates the stump’s sensory response, improving control of the prosthesis. distributing the load of the weight supported by the prosthesis by the walls of the socket [14].
Ischial Containment Socket
Its design must be related to the fact that the fulcrum is the ischium (bone located in the pelvis, as a reference is the protrusion that stands out when sitting at the level of the buttocks), captures the anatomy of the pelvis for mediolateral stability during stance and rotational stability during oscillation (when the remaining limb and prosthesis are not in contact with the ground).
Socket With Transfemoral Frame
It uses a flexible thermoplastic socket supported by a rigid or semi-rigid frame. The inner surface of the socket maintains full contact with the stump, so suspension can be carried out by suction mechanism. Its use provides better comfort, but it can cause the femur to enter into abduction and lateral displacement of the trunk, tending to lateralize a greater weight load to the side of the prosthesis.
flexible socket
Its main characteristic is that the socket does not change the biomechanics but rather the material from which it is made, to improve the comfort of the user when spending a long time in the same position, from this the ISNY socket was born, which consists of a frame socket Transfemoral or ischial containment made of flexible thermoplastic, but reinforced with a rigid material, such as resin or carbon fiber, which covers the proximal contour and the lateral walls of the flexible socket.
It is important to mention that in addition to the socket, a liner can be placed that will allow a better adjustment and security, which has the purpose of providing greater comfort, since it is made of a hyperbaric suspension membrane that provides comfort to the user. patient at the time of carrying out their activities, in addition to the user being able to have a good adherence, the liner must be placed on the stump like a sock to later place the socket. (Carter, 2016)
When choosing the type of socket for your prosthesis, you should see a specialist who will guide you since each patient has different needs, especially diabetic patients, since they must be more careful, because they are at high risk of suffering more amputations if they do not have them. the necessary care.
To all this, when is it necessary to change the socket?
The socket must be a little larger than the stump since it must be used with a bandage, stockings, socks or linings so that it remains protected and to the extent, however, if the patient gains weight, the stump will increase its volume, so a socket change will be necessary, but don’t worry, this does not happen often, it is only necessary to eat a good diet (a diet prescribed by a specialist) and exercise to prevent this from happening.
At Mediprax México we are specialists in equipping patients with lower or upper limb amputation. Remember that each patient is different, therefore, it is important to carry out an evaluation in order to provide the prosthesis that provides a real and functional change in life according to your characteristics and needs. If you want more information…