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From: Tom on 14 Apr 2007 20:20

<robbie(a)appleisp.net> wrote in message
news:1120925094.027974.222290(a)g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Dave: Since my socket is basically held on by suction, I only use about
> two inches of the sleeve to seal the top of the socket to my thigh.
> Depending where the tear is, you may not need to concern yourself. Just
> avoid tearing it further. Also my sleeve is made of a silicon gel, not
> much will stick to it. If yours is also silicon, you might want to try
> using some kind of silicon compound you can buy in a hardware or home
> improvement store.
>
> Bob
>
Hi Dave,

I am a retired prosthetist and wear a bk suction sleeve. I can think of some
ways to deal with your hole problem.

1) Usually the holes occur at the trim line from abrasion or bumps to the
leg. You can lower the sleeve and/or turn the hole to the side where it will
be lower down and not be at the top to leak. If necessary it can be patched
or taped up there better.I also use a lubricant with my sleeve.

2) I once had an amputee when I was relatively new to sleeve suspension who
was extremely active (like walking through heavy brush) and rough and went
through sleeves like crazy. He went to another prosthetist who fit him with
a neoprene (wet suit material) sleeve that was airtight and that solved his
problem. He still wore the leg I made with this.

3) in the future you can lessen the likelihood of this happening by
protecting the area.

First make sure the trim line of the socket is really smooth. If necessary
you or your prosthetist can sand and polish the area where the hole
occurred.

We learned a trick that is not universally used that helps my sleeve life
greatly. When replacing the sleeve take the old sleeve and cut off 4 inches
or so from one end that is in good shape (so it is still a cylinder) and put
it on the prosthesis so it covers the trim line and goes above it slightly
and below slightly. It can be taped in place at the lower end and cut to
follow the shape of the socket trim line, but � inch or so above it on the
top end. Then place the new sleeve on the prostheses the normal way. The old
section of sleeve will pad and protect the new sleeve.

In some cases of active people who get on there knees or bump the leg a lot,
a protective hard cover can be fabricated over the sleeve and come up
slightly above the socket trim lines to protect the sleeve.I have found this
to be bullet proof and the sleves can last a year on active people.

Hope this is of some help.

Tom


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