Source
r/Prosthetics•
questioncom

Looking for suction suspension opinions

Hello everyone, been an amputee since 2007 and its time for a new leg so looking for opinions.

I am an active BKA. I don't run, but workout for 2+ hours a day. Mainly do bodybuilding and occasionally do HIIT stuff.

I have tried pin lock and hated it. My stump is too short so I piston a lot and its painful later on in the day. Once I start to loose volume, stump turns into a soggy mess. So no PIN.

I tried elevated vacuum by Ohio willow wood (limb logic vs). The system is amazing when it works. unfortunately, it didn't last long. The outer sleeves are way too fragile. I was buying new sleeves every month. Then the pump stopped charging and my insurance refused to help.

I then got a Ottobock harmony HD pump from a fellow amputee. Decent system, but same issue as the limb logic vs system, stupid outer sleeves are too fragile. Its also heavy. It stopped working and I got it rebuilt; $600 for the repair. It just stopped working again last week.

I saw my leg guy this AM and I brought up suction. I talked to rush foot (that's the foot I have) and they recommended suction for my activity level. Just a simple one way valve.

Anyone here have experience with suction?

Posted Jun 7, 2017, 9:42 PM UTC

310
tonyguti•

Try the ottobock EMS style socket,

The gist of it is elevated vacuum in a high friction environment with low hard socket trim lines and high flexible inner socket trim lines. The hard socket is also slightly flexible.

Couple this with an ossur unity style vacuum foot- most reliable vacuum with no weight added.

Overall this results no limb movement in the socket, much extended sleeve life, and much increased knee range.

I am local to Chicago and central Indiana if I can help in any way.

2
questioncomOP•

this looks great but my POS insurance refuses to approve vacuum systems. So stuck with getting pin or suction

1
tonyguti•

Do this system with suction and go to harbor freight and get a hand vacuum pump for 20

2
tonyguti•

Still ask to try this system, you can use it with suction, just go to harbor freight tools and buy a 25$ mechanical hand pump, it will pull as much vacuum as a harmony pump and you only need to reapply every few hours. Works great!

2
questioncomOP•

ohhhh thats a great idea.

1
bashfulstopsign•

I hate sleeves for the same exact reasons as you. I've been using Ossur Seal-In V liners as a BK myself and I love never having to wear a sleeve. There is an elevated band around the liner that creates a seal within the socket rather than outside. Make sure your prosthetist casts you while wearing this liner. I've been using this system for three years and find that the seal can be a little forgiving if you become a little lazy about adding socks, which I consider an added plus. I do know that they now have a new version of the liner where you can position the seal wherever you'd like.

2
mepsipax•

Not sure what you mean, but I use a passive vacuum system. Basically a tight fight with a sleeve

1
CorporalCleg4•

Suction systems do not have the same volume management as vacuum, nor the long term benefits to the residual limb. If the limb logic from Willow wood quit working that soon, it should be replaced under warranty. The sleeves are always a problem when it comes to durability. In my facility we make a laminated cover that protects the sleeve, they usually protect the sleeve well enough to last six months to a year. Ask your prosthetist about that. Ossur does offer a sleeveless vacuum system, worth a try, but it has its own issues.

1
lazybeef•

Suction and elevated vacuum use the same sleeves that keep tearing on you. The only difference is how much "suck" you get. I don't know why no one has mentioned it by why not a seal in liner? I would also recommended a removable knee brace (custom from Townsend) that would help keep everything together when you get sweaty at the gym. They are removable so you only use it when you need it

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questioncomOP•

hmmmm, I had the same feeling I was gonna have an issue with the outer sleeves. I asked my leg guy about a seel in and my stump is way too short for it. I have never heard about a removal knee brace. I'll look into that. thanks

1