Biomaterial Database

Suspension systems for prostheses. 1999

S Kapp

Prosthetics-Orthotics Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235-9091, USA.

The appropriate suspension system results in a safe and well functioning lower extremity prosthesis. Residual limb length, joint ligament stability, and limb volume determine suspension methods as does activity level, dexterity, success of previous suspension, and cosmetic requirements. The supracondylar suspension cuff, prosthetic sleeves, and gel liners with locking mechanisms generally are indicated for the average to long transtibial amputation level. Short limbs are better fitted with supracondylar and suprapatellar suspension. Waist belts generally are indicated for patients with new amputations or those with vascular compromise. Suction suspension is the most desirable form of transfemoral suspension and is recommended for most standard to long residual limbs. Roll on silicone liners with or without locking pins and the hyperbaric sock offer the patient systems that are easier to don yet still provide unencumbered suspension. The total elastic suspension belt offers excellent auxiliary suspension and can be applied to the prosthesis by the patient. Multiple factors and patient preference should be considered when prescribing suspension systems for lower extremity prostheses.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007866	Leg	The inferior part of the lower extremity between the KNEE and the ANKLE.	Legs
D008023	Ligaments, Articular	Fibrous cords of CONNECTIVE TISSUE that attach bones to each other and hold together the many types of joints in the body. Articular ligaments are strong, elastic, and allow movement in only specific directions, depending on the individual joint.	Articular Ligament,Articular Ligaments,Ligament, Articular
D009043	Motor Activity	Body movements of a human or an animal as a behavioral phenomenon.	Activities, Motor,Activity, Motor,Motor Activities
D009989	Orthotic Devices	Apparatus used to support, align, or augment the functioning of parts of the body.	Orthoses,Orthosis,Parapodium,Device, Orthotic,Devices, Orthotic,Orthose,Orthotic Device,Parapodiums
D011312	Pressure	A type of stress exerted uniformly in all directions. Its measure is the force exerted per unit area. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Pressures
D011474	Prosthesis Design	The plan and delineation of prostheses in general or a specific prosthesis.	Design, Prosthesis,Designs, Prosthesis,Prosthesis Designs
D011597	Psychomotor Performance	The coordination of a sensory or ideational (cognitive) process and a motor activity.	Perceptual Motor Performance,Sensory Motor Performance,Visual Motor Coordination,Coordination, Visual Motor,Coordinations, Visual Motor,Motor Coordination, Visual,Motor Coordinations, Visual,Motor Performance, Perceptual,Motor Performance, Sensory,Motor Performances, Perceptual,Motor Performances, Sensory,Perceptual Motor Performances,Performance, Perceptual Motor,Performance, Psychomotor,Performance, Sensory Motor,Performances, Perceptual Motor,Performances, Psychomotor,Performances, Sensory Motor,Psychomotor Performances,Sensory Motor Performances,Visual Motor Coordinations
D004954	Esthetics	The branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of the beautiful. It includes beauty, esthetic experience, esthetic judgment, esthetic aspects of medicine, etc.	Aesthetics
D005269	Femur	The longest and largest bone of the skeleton, it is situated between the hip and the knee.	Trochanter,Greater Trochanter,Lesser Trochanter,Femurs,Greater Trochanters,Lesser Trochanters,Trochanter, Greater,Trochanter, Lesser,Trochanters,Trochanters, Greater,Trochanters, Lesser
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man