Erie's story: an Adapttech case study

Case studies are extremely important in demonstrating the true value of our product. Sharing these experiences allows us to show how INSIGHT can be used as a problem solver for patients, giving them the possibility to see and understand what is going on with their sockets in a totally different way than they have ever seen before. You can access all our case studies here.

This week, we would like to present to you Erie’s Case Study.

ERIE’S STORY 

Erie is in the 50 to 64 age group, and he is retired, but lives totally independently. Erie had a long-length right transfemoral amputation due to dysvascular complications, and he has only been using his prosthesis for 4 years. He had a lanyard suspension socket however had been unable to use his previous prosthetic socket due to significant weight loss. A socket replacement was made to allow him to become more active again and INSIGHT was used for optimum fit. 

After receiving his socket replacement, Erie returned one month later to report feeling less secure in his prosthesis since receiving it. He had lost an additional 12 pounds from being more active. Erie had been using a 5-ply sock to support the volume loss, however still felt that he did not have good control of the prosthesis. 

THE APPOINTMENT 

Erie kept the 5-ply sock on that he wore to the clinic and INSIGHT was used to determine if he was using the correct socks. The INSIGHT System demonstrated optimal pressure with an even distribution along the brim of the socket. There was optimal contact where his pelvis sat in the socket and this remained consistent throughout each phase of gait. This showed that the brim fit optimally with the 5-ply sock on. 

Although the brim appeared to fit optimally, there was very little contact on the shaft of the femur or distal end of the socket. While ambulating, the slight pressures alternated from the anterior to posterior aspect of the socket. This demonstrated gaps within the socket between Erie’s limb and the socket wall. He was moving within the socket, even though the brim was a proper fit. 

An additional 3-ply sock was added – INSIGHT showed increased pressure along the brim and Erie reported discomfort. This proved that he already had the correct sock ply that he could tolerate. He was unable to tighten up his socket enough with socks. 

The prosthetist added 1/8” medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior padding to provide control within the socket and all socks were removed. This made the socket slightly too tight on the distal end. Erie was able to feel this and INSIGHT provided clinical verification of pressure points. 

INSIGHT® SOLUTION 

The prosthetist removed the posterior 1/8” pad and Erie wore a 1-ply sock. This resulted in the most even pressure distribution within the socket including the brim and all four walls of the socket. Having a 1-ply sock fit maintained tightness along the brim, and the padding allowed for optimal tightening of the socket walls. This was fit ratified by the INSIGHT System. 

“Using INSIGHT System confirmed these changes were most conducive to maintaining the optimal fit. Erie has a history of becoming easily discouraged with his prosthetic care due to frequent volume changes. The INSIGHT system helped him take part in his care and visually provide reference to what he was feeling and experiencing in his socket.” - Prosthetist

Using our technology allows patients to better understand what is going on inside their sockets, and that makes them feel more integrated in the adaptation process and allows them to feel more confident in the changes that are being made.

Want to read other case studies? Click here to read more.