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Self-reported prosthetic sock use among persons with transtibial amputation
Krittika D'Silva1, Brian J Hafner2, Katheryn J Allyn1
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
|August 30, 2013
Summary
Prosthetic sock use is infrequent, with changes occurring less than daily. Understanding these habits can improve prosthetic care and residual limb health for individuals with transtibial amputations.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Daily residual limb volume fluctuations impact prosthetic socket fit.
- Prosthetic socks are commonly used to manage limb volume changes.
- Limited research exists on how individuals with transtibial amputations utilize socks for diurnal volume and comfort management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prosthetic sock usage patterns in individuals with transtibial amputations.
- To understand the frequency, thickness, and timing of prosthetic sock use.
- To explore the relationship between sock use and residual limb volume management.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
- Participants with transtibial amputations self-reported sock use over a 14-day period.
- Data collected included the number, thickness (ply), and timing of sock changes.
Main Results:
- Sock changes occurred infrequently, averaging less than one per day (0.6/day).
- Sock ply generally increased throughout the day (4.8-5.5 ply).
- Weekday prosthesis wear (15.0 h) and sock changes (0.6/day) were significantly higher than on weekends (14.1 h, 0.4/day).
Conclusions:
- Prosthetic sock adjustments are infrequent for individuals with lower limb loss.
- Self-reported sock use may not align with actual usage patterns, highlighting the need for objective tracking tools.
- Improved understanding of sock use can aid practitioners in volume management and prosthetic fitting strategies.
