Friday, March 29, 2024

Responses to use of suction w/ polypro socket

Jeffrey Pilgrim

Here are the responses I received from my post. Thanks for all the responses.

Jeff Pilgrim, CPO
ABQ, NM

Original Question:
I am considering using a polypro socket with a one -way valve with a patient. I would like to hear some suggestions with regards to the type/ method of distal attachment that people have used, I am concerned about loosing suction through the distal and I would like to avoid having to wrap the socket onto a plate.

Responses:

– If you have room, I recommend using a Willow Wood Suction Pro. Initial cost of the valve is a little more, but fabrication is easy one-pull with 4-hole attachment site and safe to walk on. We have blister and drape molded these sockets with good success.

– Prosthetic Design (PDI) has a distal socket connector (EV-AP4) that allows for a 4-hole pattern and seals the distal socket. They also have a slide valve (EV-MAN-VLV) that will allow you to attach a one-way/check valve for suction and also let air back in the socket without drilling a hole for a conventional valve. Call Bob Carpenter (937) 836-1464 or 1-800-459-0177.

– use a Seattle / Trulife part 15107. This is a dome pyramid socket adapter with one single central bolt through the pyramid. On my plaster cast I build up the distal end for positioning the inner dome washer plate. I put it about 1cm from the distal end, so there is clearance once the bolt is inside. Blend the plaster build up into the plaster mold. Once you have the socket made, you just drill on hole in the distal centre where the bolt is and connect the 15107. Set the pyramid rotation and then lightly heat the outer dome. It will melt a bit into the socket and be secure from rotation. Now, on the inside, there is a void between the limb and the socket connecter, where the build up was. You fill this with Renew, 2 part silicone: Determine appropriate sock plies with patient standing and doing some walking.

Many patients will not feel 100% comfortable due to lack of distal contact. Remove 1-ply and replace with latex casting balloon aka “horse condom”. Lube up the latex with Vaseline or similar, pour in the silicone and have patient step in. I leave the expulsion valve out but have the hole drilled. (I use Ossur threaded valves). The excess silicone comes out the hole and the distal end pad is just at the right level. The silicone makes it a totally airtight seal. If you give me your fax # I can send you a quick diagram of the build-up process.

– I recommend an Integralink mounting system which consists of an inside and outside aluminum mounting plate system for BK sockets.You can drill a hole through both plates and tap threads into the outside plate to receive a nipple to attach a suction value to. Fabtech distributes them.

– I would recommend a regular auto expulsion valve placed at medial/anterior distal end of socket. pull flex wall over that. Then plaster up the grace plate in alignment. Pull polypro over all of that and then cut trim lines as usual .Cut hole in polypro where valve from inner flex wall would protrude through.

RECENT NEWS

Get unlimited access!

Join EDGE ADVANTAGE and unlock The O&P EDGE's vast library of archived content.

O&P JOBS

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

The O&P EDGE Magazine
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?