AK Socket Design

Question 1

Ischial Containment

Answer 1

Indications:
-patient requires coronal plane stability
-patient has decreased voluntary control
-shorter residual limbs
Advantages:
-coronal plane stability from bony lock
-proximal tissue containment
-degree of containment can be adjusted
-potential for ischial weight bearing
Limitations:
-requires clinical experience
-high proximal trimline
-may limit hip ROM

Question 2

Ramal Containment

Answer 2

Indications:
-increased coronal plane stability with minimal trimlines
Advantages:
-bony lock/increased coronal plane stability
-proximal tissue outside of socket
-reduced proximal trim lines
-increased available hip ROM compared with ischial containment
Limitations:
-requires clinical experience
-discomfort around ramus if fit is not optimal
-lengthy fitting process

Question 3

Quadilateral Socket

Answer 3

Indications:
-longer residual limbs
-patient has good voluntary control
-previous user
Advantages:
-Ischial weight bearing
Limitations:
-requires clinical experience
-minimal coronal plane stability
-narrow A/P dimension
-rectangular shape

Question 4

Subischial Socket

Answer 4

Indications:
-longer residual limbs
-high voluntary control
-high technology tolerance (vacuum suspension)
-utilizes hydrostatic weight bearing
Advantages:
-reduced trim lines
-excellent suspension
-level of vacuum can be adjusted
-hip ROM not limited
Limitations:
-requires clinical experience
-proximal tissue stress
-time consuming donning
-may be bulky