How is Grace taking the lead in customization for prosthetics and orthotics?
When a patient is in need of custom orthotics and prosthetics, they often have no idea how much customization is possible. Once they figure it out, their decision is typically based on two factors: functionality and personality.
The functionality of each socket is typically the same, though materials such as carbon and silicone can make a difference.
Here are a few methods of custom prosthetics and orthotics that Grace Prosthetics Fabrication is known for:
- Laminated Sockets
- Fabric-Laminated Sockets
- Carbon Braid Sockets
- T-Shirt Laminated Sockets
To tackle the personality end of things, GRACE offers a variety of customizations for prosthetic sockets.
Some of the options we make available include:
- Custom Sleeves
- Lanyard Kits
- Inner ProFlex Silicone
- Custom Stickers/Decals
Ideas for Prosthetic Customization
Patients are always amazed at the different ways their prosthetic socket can be suited to their personality and favorite things. Here are just some of the ideas that have been brought forth by Grace technicians, along with input from doctors and patients:
Important Cause
Many patients like to use their prosthesis as a way to support a cause that’s important to them. Perhaps the patient is a cancer survivor and wants to show support for that community. Or maybe they’re a big believer in the ASPCA or other worthy causes. It’s a great way to show support and look fashionable while you’re doing it.
Athletic Team
It should come as no surprise that a popular choice for many patients is to adorn their prosthetic socket with their favorite sports team. Or, if they don’t want to choose just one sports team, they have the option of showing several favorite logos or simply sports in general. This is especially popular for patients who continue to engage in their favorite sporting activities.
Favorite T-Shirt
Whenever we tell patients that they can put their favorite t-shirt on their prosthetic socket, they assume we mean to replicate the image. On the contrary, we can actually take a full t-shirt and integrate it into the socket during the prosthetic design phase. So, if you have a favorite t-shirt in your closet, you can basically wear it all the time.
Business Brand
If you own a business, there’s nothing better than becoming a walking advertisement. Adding your logo to a prosthetic socket will often turn out to be the perfect conversation starter. Plus, patients can add all of their contact information and social media addresses into the design and then simply point to them when people want to contact their business.
Famous Artwork
Another very popular way to make a prosthetic socket stand out is to add famous artwork to it. This could be anything from Van Gogh or Picasso to Banksy or Jack Kirby. A current trend that we’ve been seeing more of in the past several years is to take the page of a comic book or popular superhero portrait and have it replicated.
Favorite Hobbies
Lastly, this is sort of a catch-all for everything else. Anything patients like to celebrate, such as a hobby or something they love, can be created on a prosthetic socket. This includes sports, video games, fantasy characters, animals, etc. There are certain copyright limits, of course, but our team always has plenty of suggestions.
Contact Grace Prosthetic Fabrication for More Info on Prosthetic Socket Customization
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication utilizes advanced equipment and central fabrication techniques such as Grace Plates and 3D printing to create reliable, customized sockets. If you have any questions about prosthetic socket types or any of our other product selections, give us a call at (800) 940-5347 today to schedule a free consultation.
