A Plastic Socket and Stump Casting Technique for Above-knee Prostheses.

Above-knee artificial limbs with wooden or metal sockets have been produced successfully for many years and these materials will doubtless continue to be used in the future. Circumstances arise, however, when it is necessary to find an alternative material that has similar properties to wood or metal, but which may be used by technicians who do not possess the long experience of the wood or metal craftsman. Also in some countries conventional materials may be unsuitable by reason of climate or economy. There may also be places where prosthetic facilities are limited and where there are many patients needing prostheses which can be properly fitted economically and without delay. There follows a description of the procedure evolved in this department to meet these needs.