For amputees, it is well documented that residual limb volume is dynamic and can change significantly due to muscle atrophy, weight gain/loss, dialysis, salt and water intake as well as daily volume changes from simply wearing the prostheisis.

For above the knee amputees, as the residual limb changes, the rigid socket becomes ill fitting and the groin is pressed onto the hard surface creating pressure, pain and often injuries leading to gait issues.

A common solution to an ill fitting socket is to try adding socks (if the socket uses them).  But this requires taking the prosthesis off, having the right socks available and putting it back on. It’s a lot of work for many and even then, some discomfort may remain.

In addition, with conventional rigid sockets, sitting or bending over is challenging on hard surfaces such as wooden chairs or toilet seats. Hard sockets do not ‘give’ or let the thigh flatten out normally and the socket pushes up into the belly and groin making bending over difficult.

All of these issues contribute to an often overwhelming daily routine, especially for the elderly, and the prostheses end up not being worn because the patient simply does not find it worth the time and trouble to wear.