Prosthetics
Instructions for Transferal Amputees With Silicone Liner
Donning Your Prosthesis
Follow the order of application listed below:
- Silicone Liner
- Roll the silicone liner completely inside out.
- Place the inside surface of the liner flat against the end of the residual limb. There should be no space between the end of the limb and the inside of the liner.
- Roll the liner onto the residual limb. DO NOT pull on the silicone liner. (Tension on the liner next to the skin could result in irritation and blisters.) The liner has been trimmed in a wavy pattern. This should help reduce the tension of the liner next to the patient’s skin. Do not cut the liner without contacting the patient’s physician or prosthetist.
- Ply of prosthetic sock(s). This may vary depending on the volume of your limb.
- Feed the Velcro strap (lanyard) through the hole in the bottom of the socket. Secure it by running the strap through the buckle at the top of the socket and snugly fastening the Velcro.
- Step into the prosthesis until it is secure and tighten the Velcro strap once again.
- Reflect the socks over the top of the socket.
Removing Your Prosthesis
When removing the prosthesis from your body, remove only the hard outer shell. Once the shell is off, remove the silicone liner by rolling it down.
Compression Garments
For the first 3-6 months following your amputation, you should use your compression garment whenever you are not wearing your prosthesis. For any questions regarding the fit or care of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Instructions for Transtibial Amputees with Silicone Liner and Locking Mechanism
Night Protocol
Wear your protector at night and any time you are not wearing your prosthesis. To don your protector, follow the order of application listed below:
- Lamb’s wool over your knee cap to the end of your leg.
- Nylon Sheath.
- Two Compression socks (long one first).
- Put on spacing socks.
- Protector (hard outer shell; “F” should be on the front). This should be a snug fit. If it feels loose, add more spacing socks.
- Pull elastic stocking onto your thigh.
Day Protocol
To don your prosthesis, follow the order of application listed below:
- Silicone Liner
- Roll the silicone liner completely inside out.
- Place the inside surface of the liner flat against the end of the residual limb. There should be no space between the end of the limb and the inside of the liner.
- Roll the liner onto the residual limb. DO NOT pull on the silicone liner. (Tension on the liner next to the skin could result in irritation and blisters.) The liner has been trimmed in a wavy pattern. This should help reduce the tension of the liner next to the patient’s skin. Do not cut the liner without contacting the patient’s physician or prosthetist.
- Ply of prosthetic sock(s). This may vary depending on the volume of your limb. Be certain that the pin remains completely exposed. If one of your socks is covering the pin, it may cause the lock to become stuck.
- Foam (Pelite) liner
- Put on the prosthesis.
When removing the prosthesis from your body, remove only the hard outer shell. To do this, depress the lock button on the outside of the prosthesis and pull your limb out of the hard shell. If you are unable to depress the button, try standing while depressing the button. Once the shell is off, remove the foam liner, socks, and silicone liner. For any questions regarding the fit or care of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Instructions for Transtibial Amputees with Supracondylar Suspension
Night Protocol
Wear your protector at night and any time you are not wearing your prosthesis. To don your protector, follow the order of application listed:
- Lamb’s wool over your knee cap to the end of your leg.
- Nylon Sheath.
- Two Compression socks (long one first).
- Put on spacing socks.
- Protector (hard outer shell; “F” should be on the front). This should be a snug fit. If it feels loose, add more spacing socks.
- Pull elastic stocking onto your thigh.
Day Protocol
- Nylon sheath.
- Ply of prosthetic sock(s). This may vary depending on the volume of your limb. Be certain that your socks are completely free of wrinkles before proceeding to the next step.
- Foam (Pelite) liner.
- Put on the prosthesis.
When removing the prosthesis from your body, remove only the hard outer shell.
Transtibial Protector Instructions
Your protector will serve two functions: Protection of your residual limb and Reduction of swelling (edema)
Order of Application
- Apply non-stick gauze over the incision or any open areas on your residual limb.
- Apply lamb’s wool over your kneecap (patella), shin (tibia), and the end of your residual limb. This will protect the front of your leg.
- Apply a nylon sheath. This will hold the non-stick gauze and lamb’s wool in place and reduce friction on your skin.
- Apply compression by either using
- Compressive stockings: This usually consists of two elastic stockings of differing lengths. The longer stocking should be applied first, then the shorter.
- Ace bandage: the bandage should be applied in a figure 8 pattern as instructed by your prosthetist or physical therapist.
- Apply spacer socks next. These stockings come in a variety of thicknesses referred to as “sock ply.” Using these will ensure the protector is snug against your residual limb. You may start with 1-2 thin socks. As the swelling (edema) in your residual limb decreases, you may need to add more ply of sock to take up the extra space in the protector.
- Apply the protector (hard outer shell) to your limb. The front of the protector is labeled with an “F.” Make sure this corresponds with the front of your limb. The protector should fit all the way up to your kneecap (patella). Once in place, pull the elastic stocking onto your thigh to hold the protector in place.
- Removal and reapplication of the protector should be done every 4 hours during the day.
Your protector should be left on at night. While the protector is off, inspect your limb for any redness or irritation. If red areas persist, contact your physician, nurse, physical therapist, or prosthetist. Once the shell is off, remove the foam liner. This will prevent excessive pressure on your knee. For any questions regarding the fit or care of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Instructions for Myoelectric Below-Elbow System
Remember To:
- Charge the system nightly while you are sleeping.
- Clean the socket daily using only rubbing alcohol.
- Clean the glove daily with Otto Bock Cleaner, mild soap and water, or rubbing alcohol.
- Be careful when using materials that will stain the glove, especially newsprint.
- Keep the on-off switch in the “off” position except when wearing the prosthesis. In other words, keep the switch “off” until the prosthesis is donned and turn it “off” before removal.
- Relax the controlling muscles of the residual limb after grasping an object. The hand will maintain the grip without further muscle action. Continued muscle activity will tire the muscles and rapidly drain the batteries.
- Open the hand only as wide as necessary for grasping an object. Excess opening wastes battery energy and causes loss of time in grasping.
- Use the electric hand as much as possible. Enjoy it!
Please DO NOT:
- Do not immerse the below-elbow prosthetic system in water. The glove may be washed, but excess water may cause problems. Please remove the device before swimming.
- Do not use the hand as a hammer or other heavy-duty tool.
- Do not wear a stump sock; a sock will insulate the skin from the electrodes.
- Do not use powder for assistance in donning; this may produce poor electrode contact.
- Do not try to repair the arm yourself.
If you have any questions regarding the care or fit of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Prosthetic Care Instructions
Care of the Silicone Liner
The silicone liner should be cleaned every evening with one of the following techniques.
Once per week:
- Turn the liner inside out.
- Spray with rubbing alcohol.
- Wipe clean with a lint free towel.
- Turn liner right side out and hang or lay flat to dry.
Daily:
- Turn the liner inside out.
- Wash with warm water and a small amount (dime size) of mild soap. Do not use Dial antibacterial soap!
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Wipe clean with a lint free towel.
- Turn liner right side out and hang or lay flat to dry.
Care of Prosthetic Socks
Prosthetic socks should be washed each day after use. Most socks can be machine washed in warm water and tumbled dry.
Nylons can be machine washed and hung to dry. Follow the instructions printed on the package from the manufacturer.
Care of the Prosthesis and Foam Liner
The socket and foam liner of the prosthesis should be sprayed with rubbing alcohol and wiped clean weekly.
Care of the Prosthetic Foot
The sock and shoe should be removed and inspected once weekly to check for any debris that may be causing excessive wear on the prosthetic foot.
If you have any questions regarding the care or fit of the prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Prosthetic Socks
Prosthetic socks are used to fine tune the fit of your prosthesis. They come in a number of thicknesses and are color coded. The larger the number, the thicker the sock.
Nylon sheath: These are all white with a seam at the toe.
- 1 ply: These are off white socks with a nylon toe and a seam.
- 2 ply: These are all white.
- 3 ply: These have a yellow string around the top.
- 5 ply: These have a green string around the top.
Pull socks: These are open ended nylons used to don the pelite (foam) insert.
Pull down on the nylon and then push the insert onto the limb. Prosthetic socks should be washed each day after use. Most socks can be machine washed in warm water and tumbled dry.
Nylons can be machine washed and hung to dry. Follow the instructions printed on the package from the manufacturer. If you have any questions regarding the care or fit of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Schedule for Wearing Your New Prosthesis
| DAYS | NUMBER OF HOURS | NUMBER OF TIMES PER DAY | NUMBER OF SKIN CHECKS |
| 1 | 1 hour | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | 1 ¼ hours | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | 1 ½ hours | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 1 ¾ hours | 3 | 3 |
| 5 | 2 hours | 3 | 2 |
| 6 | 2 ¼ hours | 3 | 2 |
| 7 | 2 ½ hours | 3 | 2 |
| 8 | 2 ¾ hours | 3 | 2 |
| 9 | 3 hours | 2-3 | 2 |
| 10 | 3 ¼ hours | 2-3 | 2 |
| 11 | 3 ½ hours | 2-3 | 2 |
| 12 | 3 ¾ hours | 2-3 | 2 |
| 13 | 4 hours | 3 | 2 |
- Continue a gradual increase in the amount of time the prosthesis is worn until you are able to wear it the entire day or as much of the day as you wish.
- Begin your training with standing and light weight-bearing unless directed differently by your physical therapist or prosthetist.
- Always check your skin for areas of redness after each wearing period. If a red area develops on the skin at any time during this suggested wearing schedule, discontinue wearing the prosthesis, keep the extremity wrapped or wear the shrinker sock and call your prosthetist, physician, or therapist as soon as possible.
- Be sure to adjust prosthetic socks according to volume changes in your limb.
- Exercise caution when using the temporary check socket, as the materials are not meant for permanent use.
- Please call your prosthetist with any questions or concerns.
Instructions for Transferal Amputees with Silicone Liner
Donning Your Prosthesis
Follow the order of application listed below:
Silicone Liner
- Roll the silicone liner completely inside out.
- Place the inside surface of the liner flat against the end of the residual limb.There should be no space between the end of the limb and the inside of the liner.
- Roll the liner onto the residual limb. DO NOT pull on the silicone liner.
The liner has been trimmed in a wavy pattern. This should help reduce the tension of the liner next to the patient’s skin. (Tension on the liner next to the skin could result in irritation and blisters.) Do not cut the liner without contacting the patient’s physician or prosthetist. - Ply of prosthetic sock(s). This may vary depending on the volume of your limb.
- Feed the Velcro strap (lanyard) through the hole in the bottom of the socket. Secure it by running the strap through the buckle at the top of the socket and snugly fastening the Velcro.
- Step into the prosthesis until it is secure and tighten the Velcro strap once again.
- Reflect the socks over the top of the socket.
Removing Your Prosthesis
When removing the prosthesis from your body, remove only the hard outer shell. Once the shell is off, remove the silicone liner by rolling it down.
Compression Garments
For the first 3-6 months following your amputation, you should use your compression garment whenever you are not wearing your prosthesis. For any questions regarding the fit or care of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Instructions for Transtibial Amputees with Silicone Liner and Locking Mechanism
Night Protocol
Wear your protector at night and any time you are not wearing your prosthesis. To don your protector, follow the order of application listed below:
- Lamb’s wool over your knee cap to the end of your leg.
- Nylon Sheath.
- Two Compression socks (long one first).
- Put on spacing socks.
- Protector (hard outer shell; “F” should be on the front). This should be a snug fit. If it feels loose, add more spacing socks.
- Pull elastic stocking onto your thigh.
Day Protocol
To don your prosthesis, follow the order of application listed below:
- Silicone Liner
- Roll the silicone liner completely inside out.
- Place the inside surface of the liner flat against the end of the residual limb. There should be no space between the end of the limb and the inside of the liner.
- Roll the liner onto the residual limb. DO NOT pull on the silicone liner. (Tension on the liner next to the skin could result in irritation and blisters.)
The liner has been trimmed in a wavy pattern. This should help reduce the tension of the liner next to the patient’s skin. Do not cut the liner without contacting the patient’s physician or prosthetist. - Ply of prosthetic sock(s). This may vary depending on the volume of your limb. Be certain that the pin remains completely exposed. If one of your socks is covering the pin, it may cause the lock to become stuck.
- Foam (Pelite) liner
- Put on the prosthesis.
When removing the prosthesis from your body, remove only the hard outer shell. To do this, depress the lock button on the outside of the prosthesis and pull your limb out of the hard shell. If you are unable to depress the button, try standing while depressing the button. Once the shell is off, remove the foam liner, socks, and silicone liner.
For any questions regarding the fit or care of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Instructions for Transtibial Amputees with Supracondylar Suspension
Night Protocol
Wear your protector at night and any time you are not wearing your prosthesis. To don your protector, follow the order of application listed:
- Lamb’s wool over your knee cap to the end of your leg.
- Nylon Sheath.
- Two Compression socks (long one first).
- Put on spacing socks.
- Protector (hard outer shell; “F” should be on the front). This should be a snug fit. If it feels loose, add more spacing socks.
- Pull elastic stocking onto your thigh.
Day Protocol
- Nylon sheath.
- Ply of prosthetic sock(s). This may vary depending on the volume of your limb. Be certain that your socks are completely free of wrinkles before proceeding to the next step.
- Foam (Pelite) liner.
- Put on the prosthesis.
When removing the prosthesis from your body, remove only the hard outer shell.
Transtibial Protector Instructions
Your protector will serve two functions: Protection of your residual limb and Reduction of swelling (edema).
Order of Application
- Apply non-stick gauze over the incision or any open areas on your residual limb.
- Apply lamb’s wool over your kneecap (patella), shin (tibia), and the end of your residual limb. This will protect the front of your leg.
- Apply a nylon sheath. This will hold the non-stick gauze and lamb’s wool in place and reduce friction on your skin.
- Apply compression by using either
- Compressive stockings: This usually consists of two elastic stockings of differing lengths. The longer stocking should be applied first, then the shorter.
- Ace bandage: the bandage should be applied in a figure 8 pattern as instructed by your prosthetist or physical therapist.
- Apply spacer socks next. These stockings come in a variety of thicknesses referred to as “sock ply.” Using these will ensure the protector is snug against your residual limb. You may start with 1-2 thin socks. As the swelling (edema) in your residual limb decreases, you may need to add more ply of sock to take up the extra space in the protector.
- Apply the protector (hard outer shell) to your limb. The front of the protector is labeled with an “F.” Make sure this corresponds with the front of your limb. The protector should fit all the way up to your kneecap (patella). Once in place, pull the elastic stocking onto your thigh to hold the protector in place.
- Removal and reapplication of the protector should be done every 4 hours during the day.
Your protector should be left on at night. While the protector is off, inspect your limb for any redness or irritation. If red areas persist, contact your physician, nurse, physical therapist, or prosthetist. Once the shell is off, remove the foam liner. This will prevent excessive pressure on your knee.
For any questions regarding the fit or care of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.
Instructions for Myoelectric Below-Elbow System
Remember To:
- Charge the system nightly while you are sleeping.
- Clean the socket daily using only rubbing alcohol.
- Clean the glove daily with Otto Bock Cleaner, mild soap and water, or rubbing alcohol.
- Be careful when using materials that will stain the glove, especially newsprint.
- Keep the on-off switch in the “off” position except when wearing the prosthesis. In other words, keep the switch “off” until the prosthesis is donned and turn it “off” before removal.
- Relax the controlling muscles of the residual limb after grasping an object. The hand will maintain the grip without further muscle action. Continued muscle activity will tire the muscles and rapidly drain the batteries.
- Open the hand only as wide as necessary for grasping an object. Excess opening wastes battery energy and causes loss of time in grasping.
- Use the electric hand as much as possible. Enjoy it!
Please DO NOT:
- Do not immerse the below-elbow prosthetic system in water. The glove may be washed, but excess water may cause problems. Please remove the device before swimming.
- Do not use the hand as a hammer or other heavy-duty tool.
- Do not wear a stump sock; a sock will insulate the skin from the electrodes.
- Do not use powder for assistance in donning; this may produce poor electrode contact.
- Do not try to repair the arm yourself.
If you have any questions regarding the care or fit of your prosthesis, please contact your prosthetist.