Security and Reliability: A secure, dependable and personalized-fitted connection between the socket and the liner minimizes movement in the socket for greater control of the prosthesis. Excellent adhesion ensures that rotational or up-and-down movement of the residual limb is minimized and proprioception (knowing where a limb is without having to look at it) is enhanced, thereby increasing safety and confidence. Using less energy to walk allows you to walk further and for longer without tiring.

Comfort and Control: To ensure comfort, the liner needs to have exactly the right softness to protect and cushion the residual limb’s skin, reducing rubbing, movement and pressure points in the socket while at the same time being firm enough to stabilize soft tissues. The muscles that are left can control the limb much more directly. A mild compression across the entire surface area of the residual limb improves blood circulation, reduces swelling and ensures control of a prosthetic leg.

The Silicone Liner

Most amputees wear a soft liner that rolls up over the residual limb between their socket and their skin.

The liner is a close companion to the socket and selecting the best-suited liner for the specific person is often the first step when the prosthetist designs the socket.

Together the liner and socket are described as the interface (between the prosthetic leg and the body) and the liner has two main functions:

  1. To help attach the socket to the user's body, providing an effective suspension with maximum stability and control.
  2. To protect the skin of your residual limb inside the hard shell of the socket from forces (friction and rubbing) it was not created to withstand.

Suspension using a silicone liner is obtained by the following techniques:

  1. A locking liner: The traditional method uses a liner that is rolled onto the limb, with a locking pin at the bottom end of the liner that inserts into a special, built-in lock in the bottom of the socket.
  2. A cushion liner: An extra sleeve is applied over the liner and socket, and the air expulsion valve is used.
  3. A seal-in suction liner: An airtight fit (vacuum) is created between the liner and the socket with specially designed seals or rings positioned on the liner, between the liner and the socket wall.