Transtibial (Below-knee) Suspension systems

---

• Supracondylar

• PTS (suprapatellar) or
• PTB-SP/SC (suprapatellar/supracondylar) This suspension's high trim lines provide medial-lateral stability for people whose knee ligaments are lax. They also distributes the socket pressures over a relatively large area of residual limb. Thus, the supension is helpful for people with short residual limbs, but unnecessary for those with long limbs.

  The PTS suspension features a removable medial wedge that suspends the prosthesis by fitting over femoral condyle.

  These sockets' high trim lines make them bulky and non-cosmetic, and can force the wearer to hold the knee in flexion.

• Sleeve suspension An elastic sleeve (of rubber, latex, or neoprene) contacts a large surface area of skin, and suspends the prosthesis by friction, not constriction. Therefore, this suspension is suitable for most people, even for the elderly or those with vascular problems.

• waist belt A suspension strap affixes the belt tothe socket's proximal brim. Although some people dislike wearing the belt under their clothing, it provides sure suspension.

• cuff A supracondylar cuff, affixed to a PTB socket, allows the prosthesis to hang on the patella. The suspension is indicated for people with vascular insufficiency, scarring, RL tenderness. Because it keeps the knee in flexion, it may not be appropriate for people with lax knee ligaments. It is also inappropriate for someone whose residual limb is short or cannot tolerate loading.

• Thigh lacer with metal side joints and thigh corset This suspension also shunts 40 to 60% of body weight onto the thigh. It is appropriate for people whose knees ligaments are lax or who need a way to distribute their body weight over a larger area, like laborers who must do heavy work, or those whose residual limbs are very short or sensitive. Because this suspension often contributes to quadriceps atrophy, it is not appropriate for new wearers who may receive a different type of suspension later.

---

Last updated 6-9-98 Dave Thompson PT
return to prosthetic suspension systems