The prosthetic socket is the primary and critical interface between the amputated person's stump and the rest of the prosthesis, and therefore a good, comfortable fit is essential to ensure a positive outcome in amputee rehabilitation. Socket application is vital for the effective use of the prosthesis and the socket must have adequate load transmission, stability and control. Many patients with amputations stop wearing their prostheses and the main cause is problems with the socket (poor fit, poor biomechanics, and decreased control).
The process of making a socket, taking measurements of the stump and obtaining the negative model begins. Afterwards, a positive model is created and applications are made on the model to optimize socket compatibility, this process is called "fixing". The model is then laminated using carbon and resin to create the socket, this is called a definitive socket. A control/test/diagnostic socket is sometimes produced before the definitive socket is created (allowing the clinician to evaluate fit and make changes). Multiple fittings are sometimes required to achieve the best possible design with a comfortable and effective fit. Precise sockets are laminated and can be made of fiberglass, carbon fiber or nylon materials.
As it is the interface between the device and the stump, the quality of the socket design is important regardless of the model used and determines the user's comfort and ability to control the device. Regardless of the material used (plastic, resin or carbon), if socket placement and adjustment is not done professionally, the user will never walk properly and will never achieve the agreed goal of the rehabilitation plan. The quality of the fit is completely; It depends on the work of the prosthetist, his level of knowledge and experience, his capacity to make precise measurements during application, and the quality of the modeling he makes in the socket for the proper distribution of forces.