RapidFit™ Standard Adapter Procedure For Transtibial and Transfemoral Thermoplastic Sockets with Removable RapidFit Adapter. 
(RapidFit # 1020)
Swanson Regional Orthotic & Prosthetic Research Center has developed the
RapidFit Method to improve patient care for lower limb amputees.

RapidFit Overview                                      For a printable version in Microsoft Word select here

Before you begin: Read directions completely

RapidFit # 1020 is smooth, has no undercuts and is removable and replaceable

Materials Needed: RapidFit™ Standard Adapter # 1020 and Mold Sealer

Tools needed: 5mm Hex Key, 6mm Hex Key, Cast Saw

Plaster Model Preparation

  1. Take the cast over the cushioned liner or cast sock.
  2. Fill the cast with plaster keeping the pipe 2" from the bottom of the cast. Modify the plaster model.
  3. Seal the plaster model using an appropriate mold sealer.
  4. Apply a non-stick nylon stockinette to the plaster model for a vacuum air wick.
  5. Paint the distal end of the plaster model with mold sealer. This will glue down the nylon for trimming. Let dry and trim the nylon.
  6. If not attached, install the Center Hole Sleeve insert with o-ring to the bottom of the RapidFit Standard Adapter center threaded hole. Tighten with pin tool. Attach the four-hole fabrication spacer block (white) to the bottom of the RapidFit Lock Adapter with the four 6 mm socket head cap screws (black). Tighten the four screws to the spacer block with a 6mm hex key.
  7. If not attached, install the eight 5 mm hex socket set screws in the RapidFit Adapter. The set screws should protrude 3/16" for 3/16" plastic or ¼" for ¼" plastic to the mark the location for easy removal. Adjust/Tighten with a 5 mm hex key.
  8. Option A: Fasten the distal end Contour Foam or Block Foam to the top of the RapidFit Standard Adapter using double stick tape. Align or bench align the components. The Prosthetist should check the RapidFit position for correct alignment. Nail the Contour Foam to the plaster model to fasten the RapidFit Adapter. Vacuum form the test socket using the blister or drape methods.

    Option B: If using the RapidFit Align-Right system, place the hole in the Block Foam on the top of the Standard Adapter and insert the Align-Right bolt through the bottom center hole and through the Block Foam. Attach the bolt to the plastic anchor in the plaster mold and align or bench align the adapter. The Prosthetist should check the RapidFit Standard Adapter position for correct alignment and rotation. Vacuum form the test socket using the blister or drape methods.
  9. Install the two-inch cotton stockinette separator over the RapidFit Adapter and cut a small hole over each set screw and push the stockinette around the set screw until the set screws protrudes from the stockinette.
  10. Option: If you are fabricating a Copolymer or Polypropylene Preparatory Socket with a removable RapidFit Adapter spray four rectangular reinforcement plates # 3060 with spray adhesive such as (3M Super Spray adhesive 77) and install the plates over the four sets of setscrews for socket attachment reinforcement.
  11. Vacuum form the thermoplastic socket using the blister or drape methods. Option: For drape molding with an open non-welded seam, leave the plastic on one side of the Vivak. Place the side of the Vivak with the plastic facing up in the horizontal oven during the heat process. The oven temperature will vary 355 -360 F for about 20 minutes. The side with the plastic on it will be turned toward the cast for vacuum forming and this will act as a separator. Fastener screws will be needed to secure the plastic seam if this procedure is used.

Trimming 

  1. Let the thermoplastic socket cool down. If using the RapidFit Align-Right system, sand off any plastic on top of the Align-Right attachment bolt and remove the bolt with a hex key.
  2. Trim out the four-hole spacer block. Remove the four 6 mm socket head cap screws with a 6mm hex key. Remove the four-hole spacer block.
  3. Trim out and remove the thermoplastic socket from the plaster model. Sand and buff the trim lines.
  4. Sand off the plastic on top of the eight 5 mm hex socket set screws and remove screws with a 5 mm hex key.

Assembly

  1. Install and tighten the eight 5 mm socket head cap head screws and stainless steel washers to secure the attachment of the RapidFit Lock Adapter to the test socket. Tighten with a 5 mm hex key to a torque setting of 12 Nm or 9 foot pounds. Caution, care must be taken to use the correct length socket head cap screws provided with RapidFit Adapter so that the screws tighten properly and securely. Do not substitute these socket head cap screws.
  2. Remove the Center Hole Sleeve insert from the bottom of the RapidFit Adapter center using the pin tool. Install the RapidFit Center Hole Plug insert with standard screwdriver.

    Option: Purchase the RapidFit Suction Kit to provide an air-expulsion feature to your socket.
  3. Install the other endoskeletal components according to manufacturer's directions. NOTE: A set of four 6 mm x 16 mm stainless steel flat head socket screws are provided with the RapidFit Adapter. Caution, care must be taken to use the correct length flat head screws provided with the Rapidfit Adapter so that the screws tighten properly and securely. Do not substitute these flat head screws. Apply thread lock such as Loctite 242 to the four 6mm x 16 mm stainless steel flat head socket screws and tighten to a torque setting of 12 Nm or 9 foot pounds.

Filling the Thermoplastic Socket with plaster. 

  1. Tape over the distal Block Foam or Contour Foam on the inside of the socket with masking tape in order to prevent the plaster from leaking underneath.

Transfemoral RapidFit Socket Lamination 

  1. You will need RapidFit Standard Adapter #1040 for Laminated sockets. Follow the RapidFit Standard Adapter Lamination directions.
 

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