oandp.com

Thanks to all you wonderful people that answered my question; enjoy!
Richard Feldman, cpo

My list question:

Dear List,
I can't be alone in having too many sleeve protectors come back after
suffering damage within the first 14 days of wearing.
It's happens frequently; and obviously more frequent when using
vacuum. What may I ask is your standard system to protect the
outer suspension sleeve besides gluing some leather on the socket trim?
We have some success with the short gaitors from Otto Bock.
Thanks, Rick Feldman, cpo

List Responses:

From: Ingvar Leskovar
[E-mail Address Removed]
Don't waste money on Gaitors.
I use EZ-trim via Cascade or, this:
http://www.rescuetape.com/?gclid=CM7Q3O3j384CFQtXfgodxtUJzw

David Seaman
[E-mail Address Removed]
First is making sure the trim line is flush with the knee medial and
lateral when flexed and does not stick above it and below the patella.
Second smooth edges and round out corners, I polish it with 300-400 grit
wet sanding.
Third I use a proflex flexible inner socket to allow for a soft/flexible
transition from the carbon to the leg. Forth is patient education on not
kneeling on it with the socket on a hard surface.
Other tricks include car door trim, gaitors, and ever scrap liner pieces
inside out.
I currently wear the Ottobock Derma Pro Flex sleeve with a 3d PUR liner
that has the builtin gaitor. My current Sleeve is about 7 months old and
still holding vacuum.
Any other sleeve I have had less success with.

Markus Säufferer, B.Sc.(Kin), C.P.(c)
1145 Dufferin Cres.
Nanaimo, BC
250.591.1816
Plastic sockets with a 4mm wide rounded and soft edge helps. Modified
polypropylene is plenty strong and rigid for most applications. Instead of
leader, I use about 15mm wide and 2-3mm thick strip of high density eva
over the anterior brim. Good luck.

Amira Mouad LPO
Certified Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist
Cranial Remolding Specialist
Level 4 Orthotics and Prosthetics
Outer laminated protective socket...using a flexible inner frame also
sometimes seems to keep the sleeve more in tact.

Dante Molino
[E-mail Address Removed]
I do 99% pin locks because of insurance co. limit coverage replacing these
and medicare doesnt pay for them on a temporary anymore. Ive given up
fighting. Hardly any K3 stuff too. They say theyre not rationing care but
they are. I say just tell me what i can pick from instead of denying and
going into the abyss of appeals. 'Uncle' already, i quit


Greg Armstrong
[E-mail Address Removed]
Go to Auto Zone or similar and buy cheap flexible edge protector. Glue to
the socket brim

Anthony Gutierrez
[E-mail Address Removed]
Griffith, IN
I have patients fold sheath or sock over proximal socket edge, helps
significantly

David McCue
[E-mail Address Removed]
Ask your ottobock rep to get you in touch with Gary Hooks and learn the
most updated harmony casting technique. I haven't had many problems with
sleeves wearing out since I've used his technique. I don't use any type of
protector on most and have very few issues

Stevenlhunter
[E-mail Address Removed]
Richard,
The most important part to saving sleeves is a very smooth and flush
trimline. Reduce trims as low as possible and gently hand sand edges
inward. Trim below the patella. Fill all socket undercuts especially mpt
and posterior proximal; smooth application of light putty or gunk on Durr
plex before lamination.

jerod wexstten
[E-mail Address Removed]
I glue a strip of alps stretch gel from their liners and sleeves. They
work the longest since they are so stretchy and low durometer. They also
seem to have worked the best at sealing holes in the outer sleeve when you
turn the sleeve to prevent the two holes from lining up. I keep all of
my old alps sleeves and liners for this. I use kiss glue. But regular
superglue works too. Scuff the area you glue and clean with alcohol.
(Lbk here) hope this helps, Jerod

Jonathan Disbro <[E-mail Address Removed]>
Try E-Z trim
http://www.heritage-medical.com/socket-trim/ez-trim/
or wet sand the trim lines with some fine sandpaper.
Jonathan Disbro
Certified Prosthetist
Hanger Clinic
961 Matley Lane
Suite 100
Reno, NV 89502
775-323-8118
Fax 775-323-6437
[E-mail Address Removed]
HangerClinic.com

Wilder Lafond <[E-mail Address Removed]>
I like to glue 1/8" beveled microcell about 1" below the trimline and
extend about 1/4" above. This seems to be enough in many cases and I only
use sleeve protectors for the most rugged who get on knees, run into
doorframes etc. For these, we custom laminate a protective shell in-house.

Good luck!

Wilder LaFond, CPO
CarePartners HealthServices
Orthotics & Prosthetics Director
1 Doctors Drive, Asheville, NC 28801
[ph] 828.254.3392, [fax] 828.254.4380