Prosthesis loosening

[exinilu]

Sometimes a prosthesis becomes loose while it is being worn. A loose prosthesis can result in injury to the skin and loss of stability, possibly leading to falls. The prosthesis socket may become loose because of

• Changes in the residual limb (for example, muscle atrophy or fluid volume change)
• Compression or thinning of the gel interface

Suction may also be lost because the residual limb (stump) shrinks, the person loses weight, or the interface worn between the residual limb and socket thins or stretches out.

Mechanical problems may be due to a loss of suspension or connection to the residual limb or body.