Socket Suspension
Types of socket suspension – There are three main categories of socket.
1. Self Suspending
2. Soft Suspension
3. Rigid Suspension
- Locking liners
- Self suspension
- Suction
- Suspension sleeves
- Soft suspension
- Corsets
- Rigid Pelvic Band (RPB) for lower limb amputees
Locking liners
These use lanyards (cord) or ratchet pins to provide the suspension. The lanyard passes through a hole in the distal (bottom) end of the socket pulling the lanyard and anchoring it secures the liner in place. The ratchet pin is anchored by a locking mechanism in the distal (bottom) end of the socket.
Self suspension
This is where the socket is moulded to grip the underlying skeletal anatomy such as the femoral condyles.
Suction
The volume of the socket is moulded to create an exact fit to the volume of the residual limb (stump) to form a tight seal which secures the residual limb in place.
Suspension sleeve
An air-tight seal is created by rolling a sleeve made from a flexible material over the junction between the socket and the residual limb.
Soft suspension
Straps made of flexible materials such as leather or neoprene is used to secure the socket in place.
Rigid Pelvic bands
Offer a soft suspension system for trans-femoral amputees. The pelvic band may be connected to the socket via the hip joint.
