Straps for below-knee amputees are available with or without a waist belt.
For more information, please visit PFC.
The big advantage with using straps is that they are adjustable, which can be an important consideration when follow-up visits to your Prosthetist are difficult.
Straps also accommodate size and volume changes better than any other alternative, making them the preferred suspension for people undergoing kidney dialysis or those who anticipate significant weight loss.
At one time, prosthetic strap and belt suspension systems were commonly prescribed for the initial prosthesis.
Below knee limb loss refers to the amputation or absence of the leg below the knee. You may hear this type of surgery referred to as a "below knee amputation" or "BKA".
This type of amputation can come be a result of complications of vascular diseases or other conditions that affect blood flow, such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. Chronic vascular problems can lead to tissue death in toes, feet and legs. There are other ways that a BKA can happen, such as a trauma event, cancer, infection or congenital (born with a limb difference).
A below knee prosthesis is comprised of a suspension sleeve (or belt), socket, shin tube/pylon and prosthetic foot.
Suspension (not shown) &#; This holds the artificial limb on to your residual limb. There are different types of suspension. Neoprene or textile type sleeves work due to their friction or &#;grab&#; to the thigh and top of the prosthesis. Sometimes a belt or strap may be used to suspend the socket.
Socket &#; This is the part of the artificial limb that your residual limb fits into. It can be made of thermoplastic, metal or laminated material.
Liner &#; This is a removable inner socket made of flexible material most often used for below knee artificial limbs.
Shin Tube/Pylon &#; This lies between the socket and the prosthetic foot. It is made of strong lightweight material such as carbon fibre, aluminium or titanium.
Prosthetic Foot & Ankle &#; There are many different types of feet and ankles available. Your individual needs will influence the choice made. (Scroll down on this page to view Blatchford's prosthetic foot options.)
The company is the world’s best what is a prosthetic leg belt supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
The human ankle foot complex contains 28 bones and 33 joints that work in sequence to provide balance, stability and a seamless walking experience. With only a few moving joints and springs, our prosthetic feet are able to mimic the biological human ankle and foot.
Blatchford's hydraulic ankles respond to the design specifications that natural movement dictates, fine-tuning joint position to align the body for optimum posture and comfort.
By continuously adjusting to absorb and release energy, our hydraulic ankles allow for an efficient roll-over, remaining perfectly aligned with the user for the next step to help reduce the risk of falls.
o Microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle/foot - Elan, ElanIC
o Hydraulic ankle/foot with ergonomic keel for better posture - Avalon K2
o Multi-axial foot with flexible keel - Navigator
o Multi-axial motion foot/ankle - Multi-flex Standard
o Cushioned feet with flexible keel and adjustable heel cushion - Stellar
o Hydraulic ankle paired with an elevated vacuum system - EchelonVAC
o Biomimetic hydraulic ankle/foot with shock absorber, rotation, and split toe - EchelonVT
o Biomimetic hydraulic ankle control and split toe - Echelon
o Low profile foot with ankle joint and split toe - Espirt
o Lightweight blade for moderate impact sports - Javelin
o Lightweight and responsive sports blade, also suited for everyday use - BladeXT
o Active foot with integral shock, absorption, rotation, and flexibility - EliteVT
o Active blade, flexible and lightweight for high energy return - Elite BladeVT
o Lightweight activity foot for efficient energy return - Elite2
Contact us to discuss your requirements of carbon fiber braided sleeve. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.