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6: Lower Extremity Prosthetic Sockets And Suspension Systems

DOI:

10.1891/9781617051142.0006

Authors

  • Johnson, Kathryn, MS, CP
  • Davis, Alicia J., MPA, CPO, FAAOP

Abstract

This chapter covers both lower and upper extremity restoration and rehabilitation and serves as a handy reference for busy practitioners to support sound clinical decision-making. It describes the various prosthetic socket types and suspension systems available for individuals with a lower extremity amputation. Excessive motions reduce efficiency of gait and may cause friction between the socket and the residual limb. Collaboration between the prosthetist, the physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician (physiatrist), and the rest of the health care team is important to prescribe and design the optimal prosthesis for the patient. All socket types require an experienced and skilled prosthetist to properly fabricate and modify the socket to meet the patient’s individual anatomy and needs. The transfemoral residual limb has considerably more soft tissue than the transtibial residual limb, requiring specific modifications to control femoral motion.