Prosthetic Liners and their Different Types

Prosthetic liners are protective covers which are made up of flexible, cushioning material. These liners are worn directly against the skin and either act as a substitute for socks or are worn in combination with them. Prosthetic liners are worn over the residual limb as it lessens movement and abrasion between the socket and the skin, and they are specially designed with particular characteristics to work with different suspension systems. One has to choose the right liner which assists in assuring that the prosthesis will fit well and will be comfortable to wear. In the last decade, there has been a tremendous increase in the variety of prosthetic liners which are commercially available. A recent Prosthetic Liners market study states that there are approximately 1.9 million amputees in the United States and around 185,000 amputations surgeries performed every year.

Determining the proposed use, these liners render a few or all of the following advantages:

·         Vigorous and good distribution of the pressure led from the characteristics of the materials

·         Great protection against friction

·         Suspension of the prosthesis when fitted with a lateral attachment

Whether a person is picking up groceries, riding a bike, and/or walking a dog, comfort, confidence and control are the three key requirements in the everyday lives of lower-limb amputees. Prosthetic liners are designed to specially facilitate such activities, roll-on protective covering made of various materials are used to curb the skin abrasions, selling, inflammation and other habitual pain any amputee will experience. Liners provide amputees the needed flexibility to take part in everyday tasks, as they are created using a soft, flexible substance and rolled on a residual limb for safety and deferment of the prosthetic device. Prosthetic liners are available in silicone, polyurethane, and/or mineral-oil derivative. A silicone liner gives high stability and great adhesion if the limb has a lot of soft-tissue; also, silicone is durable and easy to clean. A polyurethane liner has a distinctive ability to flow away from high pressure, meaning, the pressure is well distributed in the socket. It offers accurate, intimate and comfortable fit for all types of residual limbs.