● Socket which encases the stump;
● Various components (tubes, adaptors, rotators)
● Mechanical or electrical joints (of the hips, knee, elbow)
● Foot, palm or another limb device.
The socket is the place where the prosthesis and the body connect, which makes it the most important element in the design of the prosthesis.
The extent to which You will recover and come back to Your way of living will to a large degree depend on how the socket is designed.
The socket needs to be comfortable and closely fit to the stump.
The making of the test socket and the interim prosthesis
Following the individual plaster casting of the residual limb, a socket accurately capturing the outlines of Your limb is to be designed. The test sockets are made of transparent, thermoplastic materials so as to easily see how the stump interacts with the socket and to identify the areas with increased sensitivity to pressing.
The interim socket and the other components are fitted and aligned, when You start using the prosthesis and communicate Your experiences with Your Prosthetic Technician.
For people with a recent amputation, the interim prosthesis could be worn for several months, as the stump continues to decrease in size, continues to fit within the socket, and changes its shape.
The interim prosthesis is usually not covered by a cosmetic cover so that the necessary corrections can be easily implemented.An essential part of the prosthetic process is rehabilitation - gait training, physiotherapy and therapeutic gymnastics.
Some people, especially those with upper limb prostheses, also need occupational therapy.
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists will prepare rehabilitation programmes to help You achieve Your lifestyle goals.
The design of the final socket and permanent prosthesis
Your Prosthetic technician will decide when the right moment is to take a cast for the making of the final socket.For people with a recent amputation, this will be several months following the surgery and the wearing of a test socket, after the size and shape of the stump have become stable.
Remember that the term “final” or “definitive” prosthesis could be misleading.
Unfortunately, no prosthetic leg or arm can avoid wear & tear for the rest of the Your life.
Depending on the daily usage and the level of activity, the prosthesis could be used for a period of 2 to 5 years.
In the case of children, the wear & tear period will be even shorter by reason of their ongoing physical development.
It is important to note that the prosthesis is a mechanical device which will sometimes need repairs.
Also keep in mind that the significant gain or loss of weight could require corrections to the socket or replacement of other parts of the prosthesis.
Sometimes individual parts get replaced instead of creating a brand-new prosthesis.
