Abstract
Objective: To determine the perceived benefit, pattern of use and problems of the ICEROSS socket for upper limb prostheses.
Design: Structured questionnaire sent to patients provided with ICEROSS systems.
Setting: NHS artificial limb clinic.
Subjects: All patients (20) who have used an upper limb prosthesis with an ICEROSS inner socket between 1995–1999.
Main outcome measures: Purpose‐designed questionnaire.
Results: Replies were obtained from 18 patients. Eight (8) amputees continue to use their ICEROSS limb regularly (44%) after a mean of 32 months. Ten (10) amputees stopped using the ICEROSS system. Six (6) developed persistent skin problems, 2 switched to myoelectric prostheses, 1 was unable to put the ICEROSS on independently and 1 amputee stopped using all kinds of prostheses because he did not find them useful. Fourteen (14) amputees complained of phantom pain, 4 of whom reported worsening of the pain with ICEROSS sockets.
Conclusion: The ICEROSS socket provides good suspension for upper limb prostheses, but its use is limited by skin problems and incompatibility with myoelectric contacts.