What exactly is a prosthetic socket? What are the types?

What is the prosthetic socket?

The prosthetic socket is able to comfortably store the stump in it, and can effectively transmit the associated force to the distal part of the prosthesis, which is the articulation part between the stump and the prosthesis. Therefore, the so-called fit of the prosthetic socket refers to the mutual cooperation between the prosthetic socket and the stump. Functionally compatible with anatomical, biological, and biomechanical states are "good fits." The effect of the prosthetic socket lies entirely in the adaptation of the prosthetic socket.

It can be divided into the following categories according to the way the prosthetic socket is worn

Insertion prosthetic socket

Insertion refers to the prosthetic socket that has an appropriate gap between the stump and the inner surface of the prosthetic socket, and is adapted to the gap. The degree of fit is adjusted by the amputee himself with a stump cover. The interstructed prosthetic socket stump is easy to insert, but the contact between the stump and the inner surface of the prosthetic socket is not good. There is also the disadvantage of the heavy weight of the AK prosthesis. This prosthetic socket is mostly suitable for patients who have difficulty to tolerate the feeling of the prosthetic socket in binding the stump.

Full contact prosthetic socket 

This is a prosthetic socket that does not allow a gap between the inner surface of the prosthetic socket and the stump, and the overall outer surface of the stump is in close contact with the inner wall of the prosthetic socket, using the adhesion between the prosthetic socket and the stump to achieve suspension. From the structural point of view, there are suction prosthetic socket and non-suction prosthetic socket. Non-suctioning prosthetic socket weight, and according to the presence or absence of an inner bushing (soft bushing) to distinguish. However, stumps are usually used.

Suction prosthetic socket

The suction prosthetic socket uses the inner wall of the prosthetic socket to exert appropriate pressure on the soft tissue of the stump, so that the attachment effect between the inner wall of the prosthetic socket and the surface of the stump is generated, resulting in the performance car between the stump and the prosthetic socket and the outer air. Once the prosthetic socket is about to fall off, the negative pressure formed in the dead socket plays an adsorption role, which is called the suction formula.

Hard and soft prosthetic socket

A hard prosthetic socket is a prosthetic socket made of reinforced plastic, wood, and other materials that support weight and resistance. The soft prosthetic socket is made of sponge rubber, semi-rigid plastic foam material, leather, etc., and is placed between the stumps and the hard prosthetic socket, which plays the role of dispersing and concentrating on the force on the stump.