Bill,
I’ve tried many shower/swim legs through the years and have returned to my
old reliable basic design with a few changes. I fit a transtibial exoskeletal
prosthesis, hard socket, Safe II foot and some type of sealing suspension
sleeve. Recently I used Iceross comfort insert, no pin.
The SAFE II foot has to be waterproofed and 3/8 heel version (you need to
order a waterproofed SAFE II foot). The alignment of the foot is with no
shoe, but have found the foot so flexible that the patient can secondarily
wear a 3/8 heeled shoe without any dynamic difference in stance phase.
Cambell/Childs has always warranted this foot with either heel height usage.
You need to seal the ankle and foot bolt with silicone sealer.
I choose not to use a shuttle lock type of suspension, with the fear that
condensation would damage the component. I have also chosen to limit myself
to the Fillauer shuttle lock for my silicone sleeve locking suspensions. The
reason is, for 15 years the Fillauer shuttle lock has been the most reliable
component for me. I am sure someone has a waterproofed shuttled lock type
component; it just hasn’t been around long enough or from a company that has
earned credibility with me.
I only hollow out a prosthesis if the patient plans on going deep in the
water, for obvious buoyancy reasons. Write me with any questions.
Jake R, Wood C.P.
