CHICAGO — Vacuum suspension systems significantly
reduced residual limb movement compared to other suspension systems, according
to a researcher at The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual
Meeting and Scientific Symposium.
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In a single-patient case study, a suction suspension
system increased residual limb volume between doffing the prosthesis and a
second scan time, Maria J. Gerschutz, PhD, said, here. A vacuum
suspension system, however, increased volume only slightly with 10 in Hg, and
decreased the volume of the residual limb with 15 in Hg.
Amputees also are able to feel the difference depending
on the mercury level of vacuum suspension, she said. Gerschutz presented
results of a second study of 22 patients which showed that 72.7% of patients
preferred a setting greater than 14 in Hg. In addition, 63.6% of these patients
preferred the ability to modify the level of mercury depending on their current
activity level.
Gerschutz said that she would like to study additional
patients, as well as collect measurements from the surface of the residual
limb.
