Below Knee Prosthetics / Trans-tibial Prosthetics

Pieter M Botha Orthotist & Prosthetist provides Below Knee Prosthetics / Trans-tibial Prosthetics for Trans-tibial Amputees.  Prosthetic Liners are used as an interface between the skin and the inner socket wall of the prostheses to protect the residual limb and to provide greater comfort to trans-tibial amputees while wearing their prostheses.

Prosthetic Liners

Our Prosthetic Liners are manufactured by Össur.  The Iceross (Icelandic Roll-On Silicone Socket) was developed by Össur Kristinsson, a prosthetist and prosthetic user, as an alternative suspension system to the more conventional methods. Iceross is available in a range of designs to suit different residual limb conditions as well as activity and impact levels. 

Why Iceross?

All Iceross interface systems are made exclusively from medical grade silicone. Silicone has a proven history of use in the medical field because of its unique material properties. Silicone is bio-inert, which means it doesn't react with the skin in any way. It is also extremely durable, easy to clean, and the only material that allows different levels of softness and strength to be incorporated into Iceross liner designs.  With Iceross, the properties provide benefits such as cushioning for bony prominences/sensitive areas, high elasticity to enable total contact and ease of conformity to most residual limb shapes, and high tear strength for increased durability.

PROTECTION

Iceross has been designed to function in a way similar to a compression stocking, i.e. by improving blood circulation while controlling swelling. It also protects skin and newly formed or sensitive scar tissue by reducing potentially damaging shear forces.

SUSPENSION

The Roll-On method ensures that Iceross grips the skin and displaces it distally as it relaxes, thereby stabilising the soft tissues of the limb. The patented matrix and size-specific distal attachment work together (in Iceross locking liners) to:

• Evenly distribute forces over the entire surface of the residual limb during swing phase.
• Minimise distal end pressures.
• Resist axial loading during the swing phase of gait.  

Suspension Methods

SEAL-IN X5

With a series of five seals the Iceross Seal-In X5 liner conforms to the shape of the residual limb and the internal socket wall, providing an airtight seal and improved comfort.

• Rotation control
• Minimises pistoning
• Suspension without a knee sleeve

With the ingenious Hypobaric Sealing Membrane (HSM?) the Iceross Seal-In Liner optimises suspension and comfort while offering ultimate user convenience for daily use.

• Trans-tibial hypobaric suspension without a knee sleeve
• Ease of donning and doffing
• Improved rotation control

The locking feature offers users firm, secure and comfortable suspension. Can be used with either locking or lanyard systems.

CUSHION

A soft, extra thick distal pad improves user comfort, protects sensitive distal ends and conforms to irregular distal shapes.  

Trans-tibial Solutions

Iceross Seal-In X5 (TT ), Iceross dermo Seal-In, Iceross Activa with TibiaGuard, Iceross Synergy, Iceross Dermo and Iceross Comfort are shown below.

The Iceross Locking Liners below are the Iceross Sport, Iceross Synergy, Iceross Dermo, Iceross Comfort and the Iceross Original.

Sockets

Pieter M Botha Orthotist & Prosthetist makes use of the Össur socket products to cast total surface bearing sockets with optimal results.  The total surface bearing prosthetic sockets represent an effective and clinically validated option for socket provision.

Icecast^® Anatomy

Sockets are fabricated with the Icecast Anatomy pressure bladder and the Icelock^® 600 series of locking and attachment components. The Icelock series allows for interchangeable suspension (pin, lanyard, and valve) without creating a new socket.

• Superior comfort and fit - Icecast Anatomy provides a total surface bearing socket through even pressure distribution during casting and fitting.
• Consistency in fitting - Icecast Anatomy guarantees a replicable socket fitting.
• Direct user involvement - Icecast Anatomy enables specific problem areas to be tackled with direct user feedback.

Icecast Anatomy can also be used for conventional Plaster of Paris casting and for sockets that are laminated or thermoformed over a plaster-cast.

With the Icecast Anatomy pressure casting, the prosthetist conducts a unique socket making process. Integrated ContourCell^TM shaping chambers can be inflated to achieve an anatomically correct socket shape. The increased control over the socket shape enhances user comfort and stability.

Icecast^® Compact

Sockets are fabricated with the Icecast Compact pressure bladder and the Icelock^® 600 series of locking and attachment components. The Icelock 600 series allows for interchangeable suspension (pin, lanyard, and valve) without making a new hard socket.

Icecast Compact can also be used for conventional Plaster of Paris casting and for sockets that are laminated or thermoformed over a plaster-cast.

• Superior comfort and fit - Icecast Compact provides a total surface bearing socket through even pressure distribution
• Consistency in fitting - Icecast Compact guarantees a replicable socket fitting
• Direct user involvement - Icecast Compact enables specific problem areas to be tackled with direct user feedback.