Patient and Family Education for Upper-Limb Prosthetics

Putting on the Prosthesis

1. Put on your child’s prosthetic interface, either socks or a liner. Be sure the interface is clean.
2. Slide the limb into the pelite insert or rigid socket.
3. Be sure to monitor sock ply thickness. It may be necessary to change the amount of sock ply on a daily basis due to volume fluctuation.
4. Apply the suspension sleeve or engage the locking mechanism with the locking liner (if this suspension was incorporated into the design).
5. Apply or have your child don the harness.

Socks

1. Limb volume may change daily, so it may be common to add socks throughout the day.
2. The goal is a snugly fitting device that is comfortable.
3. Add and remove socks as needed.

Keeping the Prosthesis Clean

1. On a daily basis, wipe down the socket and insert with a dampened washcloth. It is suggested that you use rubbing alcohol.
2. Do not submerge the prosthesis in water. This will trap bacteria and germs and can cause the development of an odor. Should the limb get wet, be sure to dry it off immediately.

Daily Cleaning of your Child’s Limb

1. Be sure to clean your child’s limb with soap and water every day.
2. Check skin for redness that does not fade after 30 minutes.

Wear Time

1. A new prosthesis should be worn on an incremental basis, starting with one hour, three times a day and increasing incrementally each day until your child is able to wear the limb throughout the day without discomfort.

Questions and Concerns

1. Call Ballert with any questions or concerns relative to your child’s prosthetic fit and function.

Each child is unique, so be sure to contact your healthcare provider before acting on this information.