So, if you have a transtibial amputee who is young, somewhat active but out
of shape, but is beginning to run and become more active, what kind of
socket desigh and suspension would you use for a running leg?
The patient is out of shape, and has volume fluctuations even with a mature
limb, and thus has been wearing elevated vacuum to control his volume
fluctuations. Now, however, he is losing weight, is more active, and is
wanting a running prosthesis. He seems earnest, as he attempted a marathon
recently, and only made it 5.5 miles with great difficulty, but is now
wanting to train for the marathon next year.
And since all three of our prosthetists, me included, have never had a
patient with that level of activity before, I thought I’d ask the community
for anyone with experience with a patient like this?
Obviously, as he loses weight, we will be going through several sockets as
well, so we need to keep that in mind too.
James A Beggs
Prosthetist
Gulf Prosthetics and Orthotics
