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Braided Reinforcements in Hand Lay-up |
Case Study 216 |
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The Subject: Prosthetic Limb Socket
The Challenge:
The Solution:
The Details:
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| Case Study 216 | Back to Top |
Ossur, an Icelandic company, is an industry leader in the development and manufacture of outstanding prosthetic concepts and components. These are used by the prosthetist (a medical professional trained in prosthetics) in the evaluation and fitting of artificial limbs for amputees. An artificial limb is attached to the amputee's remaining limb by a custom fitted socket. Accuracy of fit and weight of the socket are critical to the comfort of the patient, and the socket must be tough enough to survive aggressive activity such as basketball, track and field events, and tennis.
Ossur offers a custom socket kit that provides the prosthetist with a simple method of achieving the fit using a materials system that delivers excellent strength and lightweight properties. This seemingly ideal combination is accomplished by the reinforcing material used -- braided carbon fiber in a tubular sleeving form designed and manufactured by A&P Technology. Only braided architecture was able to conform to the changing contour of the socket and the prosthetic device. The braided sleeving is drawn over the contour of the residual limb resulting in a seamless socket that has exceptional strength both longitudinally and circumferentially. The braid's fiber angle contributes to the socket's good torsional strength.
The braided carbon fiber is pre-impregnated with a water-activated polyurethane resin and sealed in a watertight package. When ready to apply the socket, the prosthetist places a silicone sleeve over the limb, activates the resin system by briefly soaking the braid in water, slips the braid over the silicone sleeve, and draws it down to a tight fit. The resin sets in less than four minutes and cures to 90% of its strength in forty-five minutes. In a minimum amount of time, the prosthesis is ready for use.
Currently, Ossur carbon fiber sockets are available for below-the-knee amputees only. The success of the system will generate new efforts for above-the-knee amputees as well. Prosthetists must qualify for the use of the Ossur system by completing a one-day training course. Braided reinforcements by A&P Technology help bring more comfort and performance to the patient.
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