Prosthetics

Experience Overview

Throughout the 2019 Summer I interned at Hanger Clinic that specializes in making prosthetics and fitting a variety of braces and orthotics for patients. I began by shadowing the two prosthetists both as they met with patients and as they worked in the lab. I soon gained more responsibility which consisted of casting molds and being in charge of shaping/smoothing the plaster model. By the end, I was interacting and helping patients as well as constructing an entire below the knee prosthesis by myself. 

Casting and Forming Socket

Before I can make a plaster model I have to take a mold of the patient's residual limb. This process can be done one of two ways, either by scanning the limb and having that image generated into a model offsite or using the traditional method of making a plaster mold with the patient and then creating the plaster model from that. For this I used the traditional method because it is much quicker and from there created my model and shaped it to make sure the socket came out perfect. I then vacuum formed the base layer of the socket.

Finalizing the Socket

The first image on the right conveys multiple steps. It began with placing a few liners down and then layering the carbon fiber down over that. Depending on the patient one can do one to three layers of carbon fiber in order to increase strength, however, it does limit the flexibility of the socket. Next, I placed a plastic liner over the carbon fiber and vacuumed sealed it. I proceeded to pour an even layer of resin and waited as it hardened with the carbon fiber. The next image is once the socket had hardened and the interim vacuum system had been installed. The rest of the process is just assembling the socket with the pylon and foot. Then it's ready for the patient to try on and often minor adjustments need to be made to the height or foot angle but after that the patients walks out the door with a brand new leg.