Using Farabloc Fabric in Prosthetic Limb Cover Design
A unique and innovative method of utilising the properties of FARABLOC
is to incorporate the fabric into the design of the prosthetic socket. Incorporating
FARABLOC into the lamination process is not difficult, as Certified Prosthetist
Tony van der Waarde explains...
After using Farabloc successfully in the "traditional" fashion
for many years, some amputees were asking if the cloth could be worn inside
the prosthesis during the day. The first one to try the "invisible"
phantom pain treatment in 1994, was a hip disarticulation amputee who had
rejected the Farabloc custom shorts or underwear, because it was not comfortable
enough while using his prosthesis. Only after a few days he called and claimed
that almost all of his phantom pain had disappeared because of the comfortable
fitting socket. You will have to remember, however that this amputee was
never told about the incorporation of Farabloc inside the prosthesis, because
of his less than favourable experience previously. The most interesting
aspect of all of this was the fact that the "treatment-results"
carried over to night and evening when the prosthesis is off and phantom
pain usually strikes most severely.
When the patient gained a large amount of weight and could no longer use
his prosthesis, his pains returned with the same intensity as before, requiring
medication and many other treatments.
So why not spend a few extra dollars to give your clients some additional
comfort. And please don't tell them about it until after they've discovered
the results themselves. That way even the greatest skeptics cannot deny
where the pain relief comes from.
Laminating the Farabloc into the socket does not weaken the over-all socket,
nor does it add a significant amount of weight. Though the cloth can be
laid-up into any part of the layering of materials, it is recommended that
it be placed as close to the inner socket wall as possible, especially when
using carbon fibre cloth. Though most resins penetrate Farabloc well, the
use of Carbonacryl is recommended. When laying the Farabloc onto the mold
you'll likely get some wrinkles and sometimes may have to use more than
one piece in an overlapping fashion. It is important that all of the socket
has the cloth covering it. You may use adhesive spray or double sided tape
to hold the cloth in place, ensuring that you don't use an excessive amount!
When trimming and grinding the socket in the usual manner, you will not
encounter any unusual rough or sharp edges, like you might expect from stainless
steel fibres. When making modifications using a heat gun, be sure not to
heat the area to be modified too quickly, otherwise delamination may occur.
On a final note: when fabricating a thermoplastic frame, place the Farabloc
on the outside of the cast and drape- or blisterform in the usual manner.
The cloth will actually aid in removing the air from under the plastic.
It is important to follow manufacturers guidelines for recommended temperatures,
otherwise the cloth will look burnt and feel rough!
Tony van der Waarde CP© info@awardprosthetics.com
Award Prosthetics - Total Amputee Care.
