If you need a prosthetic limb, then you don't have to use traditional casting processes. You can now use a hydrostatic design process.

Here, you put the affected limb into a special hydrostatic chamber device. The device uses water pressure to create an impression of the space that the limb will fill and its connections to your body.

What are the advantages of hydrostatic prosthetic casting?

Incorporate Load-Bearing Weight

While regular prosthetic casting processes can create limbs that fit, they don't always work perfectly. Some casting techniques can't take weight-bearing loads into account.

For example, if you need a prosthetic lower leg, then your cast will usually go on while you sit down. The basic shape and fit of the limb might be great; however, its design doesn't factor in how the limb will feel or work when you put your weight on it.

If your prosthetic can't bear your exact weight, then its shape and fit might not be precise. It might not have the weight-bearing capacity you need to use it fully.

A hydrostatic cast incorporates weight loads in its design process. You can stand during the casting process. This enables the chamber to analyze your prosthetic's weight-bearing stresses as well as its shape and size.

Speed Up the Casting Process

If you have a regular prosthetic design, then you could have to wait until your new limb is ready to use. It might not take much time to make the prosthetic after your fitting process; however, the device might need more work before you can wear it.

For example, if a prosthetic hurts too much to wear, then it might need to have its fit tweaked to make it more comfortable. If it doesn't precisely connect to your remaining limb, then it might need reshaping.

Hydrostatically-designed prosthetics are usually ready to wear as soon as they are made. This hydro-pressure design process ensures that devices fit more accurately and can do the right job. They are less likely to need modifications.

Get a More Comfortable Fit

While prosthetics can be painful and uncomfortable when you start wearing them, they should become more comfortable to wear over time. If you want to speed up this process, then a hydrostatically-designed limb is a good option.

When this process measures weight-bearing stresses, it also assesses pressure and pain points. The system can then tweak the design of the limb to minimize pain and discomfort in these areas. You should get a more comfortable fit from the first time you wear your new prosthetic.

If you're interested in hydrostatic fitting, then talk to a medical service for additional info. They can help you find established options, such as the Symphonie Aqua system prosthetics service.

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