Creating Your Socket
A well-fitting socket is essential to success with a prosthesis.
The socket is the component of a prosthesis that interfaces with the residual limb. If the socket doesn’t fit well, you are at risk of developing sores or wasting energy while you are walking.
Sockets that Fit
The most important part of your prosthesis is the interface between your residual limb and the rest of the prosthesis – the socket. A poorly fitting socket can cause pain, wounds, and generally setbacks in your rehab. Check out the information to understand common myths about your socket.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| My socket will hurt until I get used to it. | You should not be in pain when you wear your socket. It should feel snug and like it is formed to your limb. Pressure should only be applied to tissues that can handle it. Redness should go away after about 10 minutes. Come in for an adjustment if your socket is causing you pain. |
| My socket should be easy to put on. | A well-fitting socket should have some resistance when you put it on. This means pressure is being applied to the whole leg, not just the very bottom, supporting and distributing your weight. |
| My socket only needs to cover the bottom of my leg. | The socket must come up to the next joint in order to provide proper stability and suspension. Because you are missing a joint, the socket must interface with the next highest joint to properly control your skeleton. |
3D Scanning & Printing
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There are many steps that go into making a well-fitting socket.
Step 1: Capture the limb shape either by taking a cast or by scanning the residual limb.
Step 2: The mold is modified to create areas of pressure and relief on the limb.
Step 3: A diagnostic (test) socket is fit to check for areas of discomfort and spots that need to be modified. This step might be repeated multiple times.
Step 4: The final socket is fit and aligned using definitive, durable materials.
Walk all day, walk smoother, walk with confidence and greater safety.