Prosthetics & Suction Suspension Systems

Suction is one of the simplest suspension options for prosthetics. For general durability, suction is hard to beat, but the outer sleeve adds weight, and restricts movement due to the extra material. The sleeves also have to be replaced regularly because they'll eventually wear out and get a tiny hole, and even a pin-size hle means they won't be able to maintain suction which results in a pistoning effect with your socket and residual limb.

While most prosthetic supplies like liners can be replaced via insurance every 6 months, sleeves are generally eligible to be replaced whenever they're needed. Adding a gaiter or inner sleeve to go betwen the socket and outer sleeve can help reduce friction and extend the life of your sleeves, but at some point they will still wear out. In a pinch, duct tape can be a short-term solution to fix a small hole, but it will quickly wear out. For me, that's meant needing to bring more spare parts on trips when I relied on suction. If a sleeve got a hole in it mid-trip, I'd be in a tough spot without a backup, and since they're thick rubber, they definitely add extra weight when packing.

In my experience, one of the biggest benefits of suction systems is the overal fit and security. As long as there isn't a hole in your sleeve, they stay on snugly. However, due to rolling the sleeve up and down, suction systems are the most difficult to quickly take on and off. It's not horrible, but it's definitely not as simple as with a pin system.

For what it's worth, I've started using a sleeve with my hybrid pin/vacuum system so my leg is currently taking advantage of all three types of suspension. While most of my old sleeves have holes in them, the vacuum system helps ensure that's not a significant problem like it would be with pure suction. Using all three types means more time to take it on and off, but it's the most secure system I've ever used by far.

Editing by Kap:

[peteroverland]

Great explanation and tips! I also have an LBK prosthetic leg (amputation due to an accident). I've used a pin lock style of liner since the very beginning (never tried a suction type with an outer sleeve, but curious about future options). The pin lock liner has been good for me, no troubles.

[snehaparveen]

It's so good to see an amputee's point of view ❤️❤️ You're surely contributing in helping other amputees out there, giving your thoughts to the ones getting trained for making prostheses in future, one of them being myself. I'll make sure the knowledge from your videos are used in the best way possible 🤗.

[theraaaa]

I don't know how I got here, because I realy have no clue of prosthetics and stuff, your videos seem like a good resource. And although apparently most of the other people watching this video don't agree, I just wanted to let you know that that is ok, just because I can imagene that it would be really disapointing to not get any positive feedback.
Maybe the time is just not ready.

[Onelegup-qr]

These are great videos; why did you stop/did you start a different channel?

[syddiesel]

Thanks for this video my friend,
I'm having my leg amputated below the knee the left leg soon, my hospital the NHS England UK will only give me a basic leg, I looked at the price range, they can cost me a few thousands
Thanks for sharing
Really helpful...

[tenglin]

Hi, i want to thank you for putting these video out, its very informative and ez to understand. i currently have the same system with my first leg, and my leg has shurnk too much that I have to get a new sucket. i have a short leg limb below knee like you do mine is about 4 inches. and I just watched your hybrid vacuum and pin socket suspension system video, can you tell me which one would you prefer? this or the hybrid? if you got the time to reply my comment I will really appreciate that!!!

[uljfcud]

Hi could you tell me what’s the brand of the sleeve u just show in this video? Thanks

[markkicksass]

Good stuff! Thanks for the info. I just got my check socket and leg and my shin hurts like a mother trucker when I try to walk in it… probably just need some adjustments and time getting used to using it and desensitizing my residual limb? I’m feeling kind of discouraged but I do realize it is day 1 with it so there is that.

[ARoss]

Any videos on repairing sealing sleeves

[Crosshatch]

Def america .uk has went to when ut comes to prosthetics heard the guy talk about running I've been able to sort of run .but after cv its a totally dffrnt ball game im now losing the strength and getting a lump on my tendon on bck off my ankle on my good leg .and my prosthesit dnt give a hoot

[moulayekebe]

moulaye a prosthetic au Sénégal aenpité

[Hat-and-Glasses_REACTS]

Guess he doesn't post no more, alot of these guys will post for like a year, if that, and use Youtube, as a sort of "shrink", and the they vanish, lame. You could have built your channel and made $

[Bicped]

Just too many pauses and not very useful. I’ll look for someone with more practice being on an informational video.

[moulayekebe]

moulaye a prosthetic au Sénégal aenpité