SOCKET FABRICATION
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| Socket Materials | |||
| Socket Fabrication | |||
It helps to understand what will happen so you'll be prepared. A plaster cast is made by wrapping wet cast material around your body from about the mid chest down to the top of the sound thigh while in the standing position. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Once the cast is made, at least one or more check sockets are fabricated. Then the hip, pylons and components will be attached and aligned. This part is very time consuming. Leave your modesty at home and dress appropriately since it will be necessary for your CP to have full access to your body.
For your first casting, two layers of stockinette should be placed over your underwear. Once the cast is dry, it will be cut away between these layers, using scissors or a cast saw. It will be necessary for your prosthetist to press firmly in several areas, including the groin and crotch. You may want to have a family member or friend with you in the casting room if you are uncomfortable with this intimate contact. A parent should remain with a young child for reassurance and support.
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Photos courtesy of Tony Van Der Waard, CP |
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For the ladies, a sports or exercise bra, bathing suit top, halter or tee shirt will provide modesty and coverage, for men an old t-shirt is a good choice. For both sexes, bring an extra pair of dry underwear and socks for casting since wet plaster will drip all over the place. It is a messy procedure. It's best to go barefoot for this, and remove all good jewelry or watches.
Contouring of the socket will be made while the plaster is wet. Some prosthetists will use just their hands, others will use a sling suspended from above, seats, and various types of rubber tubing and casting aids. It can get pretty weird, so it helps to have a sense of humor during the casting procedure.
For checking test sockets and proper alignment, your CP will need to observe your entire body, so make it easy for him/her. Wear a tee shirt or sports bra top and shorts, or a maillot bathing suit if modesty is an issue.
Other items to bring with you are:
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A new pair of well fitting comfortable shoes to align your new foot. Be sure you like the heel height since this will remain constant. |
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A comfortable sweat suit or cover up which is easy to slip on and off, and warm socks. It can get chilly sitting around half naked during fittings in an air conditioned office. |
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Bring your own crutches to get to the bathroom. |
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There is a lot of "down time", sitting around while adjustments and work is being done, so bring along a good book, magazines, games or something to occupy this time. I always bring a few snacks in case of hunger. |
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Copies of your operative report and x-rays if possible. It will aid your CP to know exactly what bones and muscles have been left by your surgeon. |
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Write down a list of all your questions. It's very easy to forget what you wanted to ask, so write them down. This list will probably change several times during the process. |
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Good communication with your CP is essential. |
Socket Concepts |
Socket Materials | Socket
Fabrication
