inMotion Magazine

Living Well 39 Your residual limb will naturally change size during the course of the day. The game-changer for prosthetic users is wearing a prosthesis that can change in sync with these volume fluctuations. Over the last five years, creative and prosthetic minds have developed innovative ways to improve the bond between a person and their prosthesis. The development of the Socket-Less Socket ™ and adjustable sockets has made self-adjusting prostheses possible. In mere seconds, you can self-adjust your socket fit, doing away with midday breaks to add sock plies or gel pads. Even more exciting, these technological advancements ultimately lead to a more intimate bond with your residual limb, through micro-adjustments that you can facilitate in minutes. Prosthetic sockets have lagged behind in innovation compared to sophisticated components below the socket (microprocessor-controlled knees and feet). The socket interface is often the weak link between a prosthetic user and their limb. But with these innovations in adjustable socket technology, prosthetic users are empowered with more options that can maximize comfort and daily usability. This guide includes some of the latest offerings from some innovative companies to demonstrate how these technologies work and what they can do for you. Adjustable Sockets by Click Medical Ottobock and Click Medical are working together to offer adjustable sockets that are accessible through your prosthetist and Ottobock’s Central Fabrication Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. Designed and patented by Click Medical, RevoFit micro-adjustable sockets are designed to accommodate fluctuations in limb size by allowing prosthetic users to easily self-adjust their socket fit during the day. Some of its key features are • Adjustability. Rather than removing your prosthesis and adding prosthetic socks to your residual limb, a RevoFit socket features movable panels that allow you to quickly and single-handedly adjust your socket fit by turning a dial. You can even make adjustments through your clothing. • Strategically placed movable panels. These panels allow you to fine-tune compression along predetermined areas within the socket to either tighten or loosen your socket fit. The adjusting dial operates all movable panels in unison for the desired volume change. • One-hand release. Removing your prosthesis is made easy by simply pulling the adjusting dial with one hand to release. The Infinite Socket TT-S and TF by LIM Innovations San Francisco-based LIM Innovations has created the Infinite Socket, which leverages digital technologies to offer a custom, self-adjusting socket. Their system uses LIM Capture, which takes measurements and images of a physical mold of your limb and then creates a 3D digital version used to fabricate your unique Infinite Socket. LIM Innovations claims their system reduces the need for multiple visits to your clinician. LIM Innovations Infinite Socket TF LIM Innovations Infinite Socket TT‑S