Swanson Orthotic and Prosthetic Center Swanson Orthotic and Prosthetic Center

Procedure For RapidFitFit™ Thermoplastic Standard Adapter Procedure For Transtibial and Transfemoral Thermoplastic Sockets And
Test Sockets    (RapidFit # 1013)
Swanson Regional Orthotic & Prosthetic Research Center has developed the
RapidFit Method to improve patient care for lower limb amputees.

RapidFit Overview                                     

Before you begin: Read directions completely

RapidFit # 1013 is not smooth, has undercuts and is not removeable

Materials Needed: Lock, RapidFit™ Thermoplastic Standard Adapter # 1013 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.
  3. Seal the plaster model using an appropriate mold sealer such as cellulose crystals dissolved in acetone.
  4. Tie a knot in the distal end of a non-stick nylon stockinette. Apply the non-stick nylon stockinette to the plaster model for a vacuum air wick. The knot should be centered on the distal end of the plaster model.
  5. Paint the distal end of the cast around the knot in the nylon with a mold sealer such as cellulose crystals dissolved in acetone. This will glue down the nylon for trimming. Let dry and trim the nylon.
  6. 6) Attach the 3/8" four-hole fabrication spacer block to the RapidFit Standard Adapter with the four 6 mm socket head cap screws. Tighten the four screws to the spacer block with a 6mm hex key.
  7. 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. Tighten with a 5 mm hex key.
  8. Fasten the RapidFit Standard Adapter to the plaster model using double stick tape to secure the posterior foam to the Adapter and align or bench align the components. The Prosthetist should check and adjust the RapidFit position for correct alignment. Nail the foam to secure the RapidFit to the model. Vacuum form the test socket using the blister or drape methods. 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. Sand off the plastic on top of the lock attachment bolt and remove the bolt with a hex key.
  2. Trim out the 3/8" 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. 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 

  1. Fill the locking pin hole with fitting gel or clay in order to prevent plaster from leaking into the lock mechanism. Tape over the foam contour on the inside of the socket with masking tape in order to prevent the plaster from leaking.

Transfemoral RapidFit Socket Lamination 

  1. You will need a RapidFit Standard Lamination Adapter #2022 for laminated sockets. Follow the RapidFit lamination directions.
 

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