Prosthetic Care and Troubleshooting

In order to wear your new prosthetic limb successfully, consistent care of the components is crucial. As your residual limb shape and volume may fluctuate, proper care and maintenance will ensure a comfortable and stable fit.  If you encounter issues or have questions that are not addressed here, please contact our office for clinical guidance or to set up an appointment. We are always happy to help!

For All Prosthetic Systems

Care of Silicone Liner

You may rinse or cleanse your liner as needed. We recommend that if you do use cleanser, that you choose a mild soap that is not antibacterial. Often, skin irritations can be traced to soap residue that is left on the liner, so be sure to rinse thoroughly. Allow your liner to air dry inside-out on a stand of some sort. A paper towel holder (counter-top model) works very well for this purpose.

If you notice any nicks or tears on the trim line of your liner, you should carefully use scissors to cut them out to prevent them from spreading further.

Please call our office for clinical guidance if you experience any concerning skin issues.

Prosthetic Sock Sizes and Identification

To maintain an optimal and comfortable prosthetic fit, you will be provided with socks of varying thicknesses. Add a ply if the socket feels loose, or remove one if it feels tight. Color-coding (e.g., yellow for 3-ply, green for 5-ply) may vary by brand. Below is a description of the socks typically used by POA: 
 

Nylon Sheath: Tan or white in color, equivalent to a 1/2-ply.

  • 1-Ply Sock: Lightweight and white.
  • 3-Ply Sock: White, typically featuring a yellow stripe at the top.
  • 5-Ply Sock: White, typically featuring a green stripe at the top. 

New Patient Instructions: Below Knee System - BK

Putting Your Prosthesis On

  1. Apply lubricant to the residual limb as needed, ensuring thorough coverage of any scars or invaginations.
  2. Turn the prosthetic liner completely inside-out.
  3. Position the distal end (bottom) flush against the end of your residual limb. Slowly roll the liner  up the limb. Helpful Hint: Lightly spraying the exterior of the liner (not the side that fits against your skin) with isopropyl alcohol will make it roll up much easier.
  4. Smooth the liner so there are no wrinkles, folds, or trapped air pockets.
  5. Pull a prosthetic sock over the liner and slide your limb smoothly into the socket.
  6. Roll the suspension sleeve up the thigh to establish an airtight seal. Adjust the sock length to allow a minimum of 1-1/2 to 2 inches of seal between the liner and the sleeve.

Troubleshooting

If you experience any pain or discomfort, please contact our office for clinical guidance. However, there are a few things you could try at home before contacting us.

Pulling or burning sensation inside your liner:

If at any time during the day you experience a pulling or burning sensation inside your liner, remove it and apply more lubricant. This is especially important when the liner is new.

Pain at bottom of limb: 

Use your clear diagnostic check socket to determine whether you need to add or remove socks. If the socket spins around easily, try adding a sock. If there is a large gap at the bottom, try removing a sock.

If you don’t have a clear diagnostic socket:

Verify Sock Thickness. If the socket spins too freely, try adding a sock. Conversely, if you feel you are not fully seating into the socket, reduce your sock ply.

Not holding a seal:

  • Ensure the sock is not pulled too high over the brim of the socket.
  • Test the vacuum tube by placing the cut end of the tube on your tongue and sucking on it to see if it sticks. If it does not stick, check for visible  cracks and trim the damaged portion.
  • If vacuum loss persists, blow forcefully into the cut end of the tube or valve. Debris or weather conditions can sometimes cause valves to stick.
    1.  

New Patient Instructions: POA Double-Wall Above Knee System

The following step-by-step instructions are provided as a tool to help ensure your comfort and success with your new prosthesis! Remember that the shape and condition of your limb will most likely change over the next few months, so some adjustments to sock ply, etc., may need to be made. If you encounter any issues with the fit or function of your prosthesis, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.

Putting Your Prosthesis On

  1. Apply lubricant to the residual limb as needed, ensuring thorough coverage of any scars or invaginations.
  2. Turn the prosthetic liner completely inside-out.
  3. Position the distal end (bottom) flush against the end of your residual limb. Slowly roll the liner  up the limb. Helpful Hint: Lightly spraying the exterior of the liner (not the side that fits against your skin) with isopropyl alcohol will make it roll up much easier.
  4. Smooth the liner so there are no wrinkles, folds, or trapped air pockets.
  5. Place a prosthetic sock over the liner and slide your limb into the inner cup.
  6. Roll the attached sealing sleeve up against the liner to establish an airtight seal.
  7. Adjust the sock length as necessary to allow a  a minimum of 1-1/2 to 2  inches of seal between the liner and the sleeve.
  8. Position the outer socket assembly over the inner cup.
  9. Stand or remain seated to engage the locking pin.
  10. Apply body weight to expel air and secure the 
    locking pin. Putting weight on the prosthesis will expel any air, and make it easier to insert
    the pin.

Caring for Your Silicone Liner

You may rinse or cleanse your liner as needed. We recommend that if you do use cleanser, that you choose a mild soap that is not antibacterial. Often, skin irritations can be traced to soap residue that is left on the liner, so be sure to rinse thoroughly. Allow your liner to air dry inside-out on a stand of some sort. A paper towel holder (counter-top model) works very well for this purpose.

If you notice any nicks or tears on the trim line of your liner, you should carefully use scissors to cut them out to prevent them from spreading further.

Call our office if you experience any of the following skin issues: redness, itching or irritation lasting longer than 30 minutes after removal of your prosthesis; formation of blisters; excessively rough or hardened area of skin.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, we encourage you to contact our office immediately for advice and guidance. However, there are a few things you could try at home before contacting us.

 Pulling or burning sensation inside your liner:

If at any time during the day you experience a pulling or burning sensation inside your liner, remove it and apply more lubricant. This is especially important when the liner is new.

Pain at bottom of limb

Use your clear diagnostic check socket to determine whether you need to add or remove socks. If the socket spins around easily, try adding a sock. If there is a large gap at the bottom, try removing a sock.

If you don’t have a clear diagnostic socket:

Verify Sock Thickness. If the socket spins too freely, try adding a sock. Conversely, if you feel you are not fully seating into the socket, reduce your sock ply.

Not holding a seal:

  • Ensure the sock is not pulled too high over the brim of the inner cup.
  • Test the vacuum tube by placing the cut end of the tube on your tongue and sucking on it to see if it sticks. If it does not stick, check for visible  cracks and trim the damaged portion.
  • If vacuum loss persists, blow forcefully into the cut end of the tube or valve. Debris or weather conditions can sometimes cause valves to stick.
    1.