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IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them. IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them. IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them. IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them.
IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them.

IDS ::: Prosthetics ::: Socket Construction

The Socket

May be an integral part of the prosthesis (e.g. a silicone partial foot prosthesis) or made of laminated or thermoplastic material which is connected to the structure of the prosthesis. Note some metal (duralumin) or wood (willow) sockets are still made. All sockets must be an intimate fit.

Laminated – with several layers of strong woven fabrics such as fibreglass, carbon fibre or dacron being laminated in resin under vacuum to create a very light but strong structure.

Thermoplastic – generally made from sheets of material such as polypropylene which are heated until they become very soft. The sheet is then vacuum formed over the cast and allowed to cool, when it becomes rigid again. Check or diagnostic sockets are made from a transparent thermoplastic material. This obviously allows the prosthetist to evaluate how well the socket fits. They are generally strong enough for the amputee to use in the safety of the clinic, but are to brittle for extended use. They are easily adjusted and once the correct fit is achieved the modified check socket can be copied in a permanent material.

 

Laminating a transtibial socket. (The white duct is removing dangerous fumes) The cast has been covered with two very thin plastic membranes.  The space between the membranes has been filled with several layers of strong fabric.  Acrylic  resin has been introduced to the top of the cast and is being sucked down into the fabrics under vacuum. The resin will harden within minutes.
Attachment plates to connect to other components can be laminated in between layers of the lamination.
When the resin has completely hardened the plaster of paris cast can be removed by chipping it out leaving a very thin but strong laminated socket, to which, other components can be attached.
The attachment plates as visible underneath the top layer of lamination at the distal end of the socket.
Prosthetic sockets can be laminated in carbon fibre which is very strong but unfortunately - black!
Laminated transfemoral socket with Celtic Football Club Logo.
A range of Otto Bock laminating resins.
A range of other Otto Bock laminating materials and pigments.
Manufacturing a thermoplastic socket.  This transparent check socket is being vacuum formed.  The hot plastic, which is held in a metal frame is draped over the upturned cast. 
The plastic is sealed around the bottom of the cast.
Vacuum is applied, which sucks the hot plastic firmly into contact with the cast.  The socket is now allowed to cool and become rigid before the plaster of paris is removed.
Attaching a locking mechanism to a thermoplastic transfemoral check socket.

Use the links below to find out more information on 'The Socket':
::: Stump Socks ::: Socket Liners ::: Socket Construction ::: Suspension Types :::

IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them.
IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them. IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them. IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them. IDS_Ireland_prosthetics_orthotics_IDS Ireland offer this free resource for Healthcare Professionals who are encountering prostheses and or orthoses for the first time, or are only occasionally in contact with them.