RapidFit™  Standard Adapter Kit For Transtibial and Transfemoral Laminated Sockets       (RapidFit # 1040)
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 #1040 has slots for Carbon Tape Reinforcement

Materials Needed: RapidFit Standard Lamination Adapter # 1040, Mold Sealer, Dacron Felt, Nyglass and Perlon Stockinettes, PVA Bag and Acrylic Resin.

Tools Needed: 5mm Hex Key, Cast Saw, Channel Lock Pliers

Plaster Model Preparation 

  1. Take the cast over the suction liner and or cast sock.
  2. Fill the cast with plaster keeping the pipe 2" from the bottom of the cast.
  3. Seal the plaster model using an appropriate mold sealer.
  4. Apply the non-stick nylon stockinette to the plaster model for a vacuum air wick.
  5. Paint the distal end of the cast around the knot in the nylon with a mold sealer. This will glue down the nylon for trimming. Let dry and trim the nylon in a circular shape slightly smaller than the lock mechanism.
  6. Apply the PVA bag and cap the distal end.
  7. Cut a round piece of stretch tape the same size as the attachment tooling and apply to the PVA over the drilled hole. The tape will help prevent the PVA from tearing. Puncture a hole in the tape over the drilled center hole. Fasten the attachment tooling with the four long nails provided with the RapidFit Kit. NOTE: Using the longer nails provided by the RapidFit Kit will provide a more secure attachment.

    Lay-Up Considerations for Carbon Tape Reinforcement Careful consideration must be given to choice of materials used in construction of the laminated socket. The Prosthetist should consider the patient's age, weight, height, activity level and the other components used in the prosthesis.
  8. Apply the 1" carbon tape reinforcement through the anchor holes in the RapidFit Adapter. Apply additional layers of carbon tape as needed according to the patient's activity level.
  9. Install the Center Hole Sleeve insert with o-ring to the bottom of the RapidFit Adapter center threaded hole and tighten using the pin tool provided so that it is flush with the top of the adapter.
  10. Lubricate the four size M6 x 25mm socket head cap screws for easy removal. Attach the four-hole square spacer block to the RapidFit™ Lock Adapter with the four socket head cap screws. Lubricate the M6 X 25mm socket head cap screw and install in the side hole in the square spacer block. Tighten all screws with hex key. Fill the screw heads with fitting gel or clay putty.

Lay-Up and Lamination 

Careful consideration must be given to choice of materials used in construction of the laminated socket. The Prosthetist should consider the patient's age, weight, height, activity level and the other components used in the prosthesis. The following is an example of a standard lay-up used for an average patient.

Lay-Up Example: 

  1. Apply one layer of ½ ounce Dacron Felt.. punch a hole in the Dacron the same size as the attachment screw(s). Be careful not to cut the PVA bag.
  2. Cut a round section of ½ ounce Dacron Felt about 9" in diameter. Trim out a circular hole in the Dacron slightly smaller in size as the nailed round attachment tooling. Apply this round Dacron Felt on top of the first layer of felt. Place the hole over the attachment tooling. This is needed to hide the carbon tape on the inside of the socket.
  3. Apply the RapidFit Adapter with 1" carbon tape reinforced anchor holes to the plaster model.
  4. Fasten the RapidFit Adapter to the plaster model using the socket head cap attachment screw. The Prosthetist should check and adjust the RapidFit position for correct rotation, then tighten with hex key. Fill the screw head with fitting gel or clay putty.
  5. Apply two layers of Nyglass stockinette. Tie the Nyglass into the tie ring and reflex back over the model. Note: Spectralon™ stockinette may be substituted for Nyglass.
  6. Apply two additional layers of Nyglass stockinette. Tie the Nyglass into the tie ring and reflex back over the model. Note: Spectralon™ stockinette may be substituted for Nyglass.
  7. Apply two additional layers of Nyglass stockinette. Tie the Nyglass into the tie ring and reflex back over the model. Note: Spectralon™ stockinette may be substituted for Nyglass.
  8. Apply one layer of Perlon stockinette. Note: Other finish stockinette may be substituted for Perlon.
  9. Apply the outer PVA bag and pour cone. Laminate with acrylic resin such as Epox-Acryl. Tie off the excess resin with a string.

Shell Lamination for a cosmetic cover 

  1. Fill any undercuts with clay putty or fitting gel. Apply one cotton or nylon stockinette for a separator. Apply the inner PVA bag and tie off the top. Apply two nylon stockinette twisted and reflected back. Apply the PVA Bag and pour cone. Laminate with 80-20 polyester resin.

Trimming

  1. Let the lamination cool down. Sand away the material covering the end of the lamination over the attachment screw. Remove the socket head cap screw with a hex key.
  2. Sand away the material covering the end of the lamination over the five socket head cap screws. Remove the four size M6 x 25 mm socket head cap screws with a 5mm hex key.
  3. Trim out the four-hole square spacer block. Remove the four-hole square spacer block. Use the side M6 x 25mm socket head cap screw to pull out the square spacer block or use channel lock pliers.
  4. Trim out and remove the socket from the plaster model. Sand and buff trim lines. Clean off any excess plastic on the RapidFit Adapter.

Assembly 

  1. Remove the Center Hole Sleeve from the bottom of the RapidFit Adapter using the pin tool. Install the RapidFit Center Hole Plug to the bottom of the Adapter center hole. Tighten with Screwdriver.

    Suction Option:     Use the RapidFit Suction Kit to provide an air-expulsion feature to your socket.
  2. 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 for your convenience. 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.
 

Home |  | RapidFit | Pedorthics | Orthotics |Bionix | HP Knee|
Home | Contact Us | About Us | Newsletters | Testimonials | Clinics | Swanson Method | FAQ | Links