Spiral sockets for various types of stumps in transhumeral amputees: a case series

BACKGROUND: Fitting a stump prosthesis is difficult in transhumeral amputees because of the stump's conical form. Shoulder harnesses for suspension can cause neck and shoulder pain. We developed a novel spiral socket transhumeral prosthesis to overcome these difficulties. We investigated its safety and effects in transhumeral amputees. CASE REPORT: Five transhumeral amputees with a mean age of 50.8±23.8 (range, 19-75 years) were fitted with the spiral socket between April 2013 and February 2017. Spiral sockets can adapt to changes in the shape of the stump, even in early stages when stump shape can change. It can also adapt to an hourglass-shaped stump. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The novel spiral socket transhumeral prosthesis might be useful for socket-stump adaptation at various stages after amputation. It may also be used for irregularly shaped stumps and can possibly prevent secondary complications, including neck and shoulder pain and skin disorders.