Instructions for Prosthesis Care and Use of your (AK/BK/KD/HD/HP) System

In order to wear your new prosthetic limb successfully, proper prosthesis care of all the components is crucial. The following prosthesis care instructions are provided as a tool to help ensure your success. Remember that the shape and volume of your limb will most likely change over the next few months. If you encounter issues or have questions that are not addressed here, do not hesitate to contact our office for guidance or to set up an appointment.

Silicone Liner (All)

It is recommended that the silicone liner is cleaned every evening using the following technique: 

1. Turn the liner inside out.
2. Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild (not antibacterial) soap.
3. Spray and wipe down with isopropyl alcohol.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Hang on a stand or lay on clean, flat surface to dry.

Donning Prosthesis – BK

1. Apply lubricant to your residual limb as needed, paying special attention to areas with scars or invaginations.
2. Make sure the liner is turned inside-out.
3. Place bottom of liner directly against the end of your residual limb and roll it completely up. Hint: Spraying some isopropyl alcohol on the outside of your liner (not the side that fits against your skin) will make it roll up very easily.
4. Check to ensure that there are no wrinkles/folds or trapped air inside the liner.
5. Place a prosthetic sock over the liner and slide your limb into the socket.
6. Roll the suspension sleeve up to create a seal. Sock length should be adjusted to allow no less than 1-1/2 to 2 inches of seal between liner and sleeve.
7. Stand and put weight on the prosthesis to expel air.
8. Attach vacuum pump to remove remaining air and create vacuum/negative pressure.

Donning Prosthesis – KD

1. Apply lubricant to your residual limb as needed, paying special attention to areas with scars or invaginations.
2. Make sure the liner is turned inside-out.
3. Place bottom of liner directly against the end of your residual limb and roll it completely up. Hint: Spray some isopropyl alcohol on the outside of your liner (not the side that fits against your skin) and it will roll up very easily.
4. Check to ensure that there are no wrinkles/folds or trapped air inside the liner.
5. Place a prosthetic sock over the liner and slide your limb into the socket. Roll the suspension sleeve up to create a seal. Stand and put weight on the prosthesis to expel air.

Donning Prosthesis – HD/HP

1. Put on moisture wicking underwear (i.e., Under Armor).
2. Sprinkle powder on the inside of the liner and pull on and up into proper position.
3. Mark area on skin or reference a point to show correct position of liner on the body. This will allow you to position it correctly every time.
4. Put on prosthesis and strap Chafee Straps through.
5. Attach hip strap and padding, connecting the anterior strap as soon as possible.
6. When sitting, release the anterior strap to ease the pressure.