Socket System Shortens Prosthetic Delivery Time

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 Oct 2014
A breakthrough prosthetic device decreases fitting time exponentially, and allows both amputees and clinicians to adjust the socket for a fine-tuned fit.

The Infinite Socket is a new design that provides adjustable components, intelligent moisture control, and optimized fit for amputees. Designed to improve clinical outcomes and versatility through a blend of structural design, manufacturing techniques, and proprietary materials, the socket can be fabricated in as little as 24 hours. This can be compared to traditional fabrication methods, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in an average time from initial evaluation to final delivery being typically one month.

Image: The LIM Infinite Socket (Photo courtesy of LIM Innovations).

In addition, most current sockets are solid structures that lack any dynamic change capability; the Infinite Socket, on the other hand, can provide increased comfort, control, heat dissipation, and moisture management. It can also accommodate daily volume fluctuations for the user, thus preventing excessive adjustment visits to the prosthetist, since it allows amputees to dictate fit and adjust the socket to their physical changes. The Infinite Socket is a product of LIM Innovations (San Francisco, CA, USA).

“The human body often changes in size and shape over time. Current prostheses lack the ability to change with the patient,” said orthopedic surgeon Andrew Pedtke, MD, CEO and co-founder of LIM Innovations. “This socket system is applicable to many different socket approaches, different suspension mechanisms, as well as different socket shapes. Therefore, practitioners will still be able to apply their skills and preferences to meet the patient’s needs.”

Socket technology and design have long been ignored in favor of advancing distal components such as knees, feet, and legs, but the socket remains the skin-to-technology interface that impacts daily comfort and performance.

Related Links:

LIM Innovations



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