Suspension methods for AK

Question 1

Skin-fit Suction

Answer 1

Indications: When every clinically feasible. Mature Limb.

Advantages:
1. Increased proprioception
2. Feels more natural
3. decreased pistoning
4. controls edema

Disadvantages:
1. Susceptible to volume changes
2. difficult to done
3. Limited absorption of shear and impact forces felt on the limb/skin

Question 2

Suction with seal-in liner

Answer 2

Indications: Firm limb. expect volume changes.

Advantages:
1. secure suspension
2. Allows for volume changes
3. Absorption of shear and impact forces/protects skin

Disadvantages:
1. Need hand strength and dexterity to don the liner
2. heat/sweat from liner
3. Distal distraction can lead to edema

Question 3

Gel locking liner (pin or lanyard)

Answer 3

Indications: Firm limb. Expect volume changes.

Advantages:
1. Absorption of shear and impact forces/protects skin
2. Can allow for volume changes
3. minimal distal distraction
4. Easy to don

Disadvantages:
1.Need hand strength and dexterity to don the liner
2. Heat/sweat from liner
3. Increased cost and maintenance
4. Locking mechanism increases difficulty in alignment

Question 4

Gel liner with vacuum-assisted suspension

Answer 4

Indications: Mature limb. Active patient.

Advantages:
1. Increased proprioception
2. Decreased pistoning
3. Can use on short residual limbs
4. liner interface

Disadvantages:
1. Can cause skin damage if donned wrong/difficult to don
2. Increased maintenance/gadget tolerance
3. Need cognitive awareness
4. Need compliance

Question 5

Silesian belt

Answer 5

Indications: to help limit socket rotation. Auxiliary suspension.

Advantages:
1. Helps with rotational control
2. Adjustable
3. can be removeable
4. Firm belt for secure feeling

Disadvantages:
1. No ML control
2. Hand strength and dexterity to don
3. Pressure around the pelvis/uncomfortable
4. difficult to clean

Question 6

Total Elastic Suspension (TES) belt

Answer 6

Indications: to help reduce socket rotation. Auxiliary suspension.

Advantages:
1. Increased security as auxiliary suspension
2. Flexible
3. Reduce socket rotation
4. Removeable

Disadvantages:
1. Minimal suspension
2. Hot and sweaty
3. Hand strength and dexterity to don
4. Difficult to clean

Question 7

Hip joint and pelvic belt

Answer 7

Indications: Short residual limbs. Weak hip abductors. Low levels of voluntary control.

Advantages:
1. Maximum coronal support
2. works on short TF’s
3. easy to use

Disadvantages
1. Belt may be uncomfortable
2. Migrates when sitting
3. Minimal suspension
4. Difficult to clean