Technique for forming sockets directly on above-elbow stumps.

1 This work was supported by Veterans Administration Contract V1005M-1079. 2 Coordinator, Prosthetic Research and Education, Northwestern University Prosthetic-Orthotic Center. 3 Research Prosthetist, Northwestern University Prosthetic Research Center. The ability to make a socket by applying a thermoplastic material such as Polysar X-414 (Polymer Corp. Ltd. TM) directly to an amputee's stump offers many advantages to the prosthetist, as pointed out by Wilson (4). Direct forming obviously eliminates the casting procedures necessary to produce a good modified replica of the stump and eliminates the laminating procedures necessary to produce the socket. The thermoplastic properties of Polysar X-414 allows quick postforming of the socket in areas which may require relief, and the material lends itself well to the attachment of components during assembly. These time-saving advantages enable the prosthetist to fit amputees with a temporary prosthesis much earlier than the time normally required for a definitive fitting. This hastens the amputee's rehabilitation and helps to condition him and his stump for the definitive prosthesis. The prosthetist also has the advantage of noting any corrections which are applicable to the definitive prosthesis. These advantages are also helpful to the research prosthetist, for he can save valuable time in evaluating new control techniques and testing new components.