Article

A diverse range of elastomeric liner products are available to people
with transtibial amputation. However, little information is available about how
prosthetists select the product best suited to each patient. OBJECTIVES: To
determine how prosthetists obtain information about liners, which features are
most relevant to the selection process, and which products are used most for
patients with transtibial amputation. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.
METHODS: A custom online survey was developed to solicit information about
prosthetists' liner selection practices. Prosthetists with experience managing
transtibial patients were recruited via advertisements posted in magazines, at
conferences, and on a listserv. Responses were analyzed to characterize
prosthetists' liner selection practices. RESULTS: Data from 106 experienced
prosthetists (mean age: 44.4 years, mean experience: 15.7 years) were included.
Most prosthetists (94%) obtained liner information from manufacturer
representatives, websites, or literature. On average, respondents factored nine
different liner characteristics into their selection processes. Prosthetists
reported experience with 16 unique liner products with their transtibial
patients, but routinely used fewer than 3. CONCLUSION: Although many different
prosthetic liners are available, prosthetists regularly use only a few select
liner products. Tools or strategies to objectively compare prosthetic liners
across manufacturers are likely needed to facilitate more diverse prescription
practices. Clinical relevance Knowledge of prosthetists' prosthetic liner
selection practices may guide development of evidence-based resources or tools to
facilitate matching patients with appropriate liners. Results of this study may
also inform researchers and manufacturers about desirable liner characteristics
and direct development of novel liner products to address prosthetists' clinical
needs.

Langue : ANGLAIS