Conventional Method
The conventional method  of providing prosthetics is a subjective process,
meaning the outcomes vary depending on the skill level of the person
facilitating the service. It can be a very time consuming process
sometimes taking weeks to deliver the prosthesis to the patient.
The initial
steps of providing a prosthesis using the conventional method include:
Taking a Cast
Plaster of Paris is used to wrap, or cast, the patient’s limb
to obtain a representative shape of the residual limb. The challenges
using this method are:
- very messy process
- very time consuming as the patient is required to wait for the
cast to set
- the accuracy of the cast is subject to the way the limb was wrapped,
the type of plaster material used, the skill level of the individual
technician/prosthetist, and the distortion caused by the removal
of the cast.
Filling the Cast
In order to obtain a representation of the patients’ limb, the
cast must be filled and allowed to set, or harden, for it to be used
to create a socket to fit the patients’ limb. This process
is a very time consuming process to complete.
Shaping the Model
Once the cast has been filled, a model of the patient’s limb is
used to create the socket. However, in order to create a socket
that fits, a modification needs to be made to that plaster model. In
the conventional method, an individual uses a tool called a rasp to do
this modification. Similar to the casting process, this is a very
subjective process. Each individual performing this procedure
will use their own rasping technique, unable to create a model that
is identical to that of another.
In short: using the conventional method, if you had 10 individuals
trying to create a model that replicated your limb, you would end up
with 10 different models of your limb simply by the nature of its subjective
process.
When the conventional method is used, valuable time
is lost. Valuable
time that could be spent learning about the patient, the patient’s
lifestyle, and devising a plan for their success.
The use of Fourroux’s
state-of-the-art technology eliminates the inconsistencies of the conventional
method. The use of this scientific
approach enables us to provide the highest quality care & devices
in the most time efficient manner.
For more information about Fourroux’s
advanced technology, please see the Computer
Aided Design & Technology section of our website.
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