Prosthetic

Stump Socks

These are worn on the residual limb next to the skin so as to protect the stump and make the artificial limb comfortable and provide cushion as well as help it to absorb perspiration. They are given to the patient together with the artificial limb. The different types of stump socks include:

Cotton Socks- they have half the thickening as those of the terry toweling socks. These types of socks are nonallergic and neutral to any skin type. The only thing is that it does not offer a lot of absorbency

Nylon Socks- these are thin and many people that have amputations find it comfortable to wear them right next to the skin. They are often used over the soft foam liner so as to make it easier to slip into the plastic socket. It also helps to pull the liner out when one wants to remove the artificial limb

Woolen Socks- these are the thickest socks. They are used by people who are well established to using the artificial limb. They are rarely used by people who have a new amputation. Wool socks are smooth and they reduce the chances of wrinkling. They also absorb perspiration when one sweats. They are an excellent comfort in cold, hot and humid climate. They conform to the contours of the limb

Terry toweling socks- they have a fairly thick pile on the inside part.

Stump shrinkers

These are brown elastic socks that are worn when you are not wearing the artificial limb. They help to keep the stump in shape and reduce the swelling. It can be issued as soon after the amputation. They are designed to fit on the amputation and apply pressure to the soft tissue of the stump. It can be worn over the dressing on the stump. When worn the pressure should be great at the end and lessen upwards to the thigh for circulation as well as not to increase the swelling

Prosthetic Sheaths

These are made of 100% stretch nylon. They can be worn by themselves or with any other prosthetic socks. They provide protection for those with sensitive skin as well as giving friction control, moisture barrier and fitting adjustment. Due to the ability of the sheath to stretch, it fits and conforms well and comfortably to the stump

They should be washed with a sanitizing lotion and a mild detergent with warm water. Rinse with clean warm water and squeeze and let it dry completely

They are sold in pairs and come in different widths and lengths

Gel Socks

Some socks and sheaths have a gel that is attached or sandwiched between the fabrics. The gel is made of silicone and provide cushioning. They also offer pressure distribution and reduced friction. The thickness and stiffness of the gel dictate the cushioning of the sock. There is proper maintenance of pressure from the high pressure areas to those with low pressure. It helps to protect the friction areas during walking. They are generally prescribed to people who have a problem with the stump. They should be washed daily with soap and water.

Cast Socks

It is placed on the stump, so as the amputee bears weight on the sock that is suspended using rings, it stretches in a longitudinal manner and circumferentially. It helps to firm the tissues when the plaster wrap is being applied. It helps to restrict swelling and to emphasize on bone prominence. The sock also holds distal redundancy firmly and in the correct position

Liners

A silicone liner gives good stability and adhesion to the limb. It performs best when it has a shuttle-lock suspension. Liners made of silicone are easy to clean and durable

Polyurethane liners have the ability to escape high pressure. They allow pressure on the socket to be well distributed. They offer a comfortable and intimate fit to all the types of residual limbs making them a good choice for sensitive and bony limbs

Co-polymer liners are soft and highly elastic. They offer good protection for residual limbs that have low activity. They have skin friendly oils, making them perfect for dry skin. They work best with pin or suction suspension

Stockinette Rolls

These are rolls that are open at the bottom. They are used to control edema, they conform to body contours and they self-adjust to allow the consistency of pressure. They can be sued alone or with other bandages. Many sleeves will have a non-stick coating, abrasion resistance outer layer and pre-flexed knees for easier bending

Gel Sleeves

These are liners that come in different sizes and thickness. They offer comfort and prevent friction between the limb stump and the prosthetic socket. The gel has got nutrients that play the role of soothing and protecting the skin. They can be washed by machine or hand and air dried. They should be completely dry before wearing.

They are made of a variety of elastic material to have a better seal. Thick sleeves will give durability, but they will interfere with the range of movement. A thin sleeve will be flexible in motion, but it may not last long

Gel Sheath

This is a prosthetic accessory that slides above the knee or above the knee that has been amputated. It is made of nylon fabric that is washable bonded together with gel. It can be worn as a liner over the limb stump. You can also wear it as a nylon sheath in the prosthetic device. They come in different styles, fabric and size. They can be washed by hand, or by machine and should be completely dry before wearing

Sockets

This is the most critical component of the prosthesis. It allows for weight distribution across the entire surface of the residual limb. It eliminates the pressure points. A socket that is made of lightweight and flexible material can bend and expand along with the residual limb of the socket.