Otto Bock Harmony P3 Technical Information page 27

Topic: Residual limb
Problem
Pressure in the prox­
imal area
Pressure on the head
of the fibula
Cramp­
ing/aching/throbbing
while standing or sit­
ting
Harmony System
Cause
pressure in the proximal area.
The vacuum pulls the liner and
the residual limb into a gap
distally and also creates the feel­
ing of pressure.
The proximal pressure is usually
the dominant sensation.
User wears too many long
residual limb socks.
The residual limb hangs proxim­
ally in the prosthetic socket due
to the increased volume.
Prosthetic socket too tight.
Area around the head of the
fibula moulded incorrectly.
Either too much reduction or
incorrect moulding
This applies especially to the
area of the head of the fibula,
because the nerve behind it can
be irritated.
Volume loss on the residual
limb.
The residual limb has lost volume
and slipped deeper into the
prosthetic socket. This causes
the head of the fibula to press
against the lower edge of the
recesses in the prosthetic sock­
et.
Prosthetic socket too tight
overall.
User wears too many long
residual limb socks.
User did not tense the calf
musculature during moulding
of the volume.
Solution
• Remove all fillers.
• Compensate for the volume loss with distal spots
and half residual limb socks until the markings on
the liner become visible and the pressure abates.
If the distal fillers do not produce a perfect,
•
comfortable fit: Pull a long residual limb sock over
the liner and compensate again with distal spots
and half residual limb socks.
• If more than three fillers are used, a new prosthetic
socket should be made.
• Make a new prosthetic socket according to the
instructions of this document.
• Modify the check socket in the area of the head of
the fibula thermoplastically.
Alternatively: Make a new plaster cast.
•
occurred.
• If the medial and lateral markings on the liner have
slipped into the prosthetic socket, the residual limb
has lost volume.
• Ensure that the vacuum is generated and main­
tained. Without vacuum, the user loses residual limb
volume every day.
If there is vacuum: Compensate for the volume
•
loss with a distal spot/half residual limb sock until
the marks on the liner are located at the height of
the socket brim again.
• Try pulling a long residual limb sock over the liner. It
may be necessary to remove distal fillers.
• Make a new prosthetic socket according to the
instructions of this document.
• Remove all long residual limb socks.
• Compensate for the volume loss with distal
spots/half residual limb socks until the markings on
the liner become visible.
If the distal fillers cause pressure in the distal
•
area: Try pulling a long residual limb sock over the
liner. It may be necessary to remove distal fillers.
• Enclose the user's residual limb with both hands
and ask him or her to tense his or her calf muscu­
lature.
If this significantly changes the residual limb
shape: Make a new prosthetic socket according to
the instructions of this document.
Tips and tricks
Ottobock | 27