Article

Daily changes in the shape and size of the residual limb affect
prosthetic socket fit. Prosthetic socks are often added or removed to manage
changes in limb volume. Little has been published about how persons with
transtibial amputations use socks to manage diurnal changes in volume and
comfort. OBJECTIVES: To investigate prosthetic sock use with a customized,
self-report questionnaire. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Persons
with transtibial amputation reported number, thickness, and timing of socks used
over a 14-day period. RESULTS: Data from 23 subjects (16 males and 7 females)
were included. On average, socks were changed less than once per day (0.6/day)
and ply increased over the day (4.8-5.5 ply). Subjects wore prostheses
significantly longer (15.0-14.1 h, p = 0.02) and changed socks significantly more
often (0.6/day-0.4/day, p = 0.03) on weekdays compared to weekends. Participants
were also divided into two subgroups: those who used socks to manage limb volume
and those who used socks for socket comfort. Sock use did not differ (p > 0.05)
between subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Sock changes are infrequent among persons with
lower limb loss. Initial, verbal reports of sock use were often inconsistent with
data measured by logs. Tools (e.g. sock logs or objective instruments) to better
understand sock-use habits among persons with limb loss are needed. CLINICAL
RELEVANCE: Knowledge of prosthetic patients' sock use may help practitioners
enhance volume management strategies or troubleshoot fitting issues. Results
showed that subjects generally added socks to account for volume loss, and
end-of-day sock thickness frequently exceeded 5 ply.
Use of sock logs in clinical
practice may facilitate improved residual limb health.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2013.

Langue : ANGLAIS