In the 1980's, the CAT-CAM (Contoured Adducted Trochanteric Controlled Alignment Method) above-knee socket was developed. In subsequent years, research has continued with hundreds of patients, and the socket has evolved into a highly contoured flexible socket. It features anatomically designed channels and grooves to accommodate various muscle, bone, tendon, vascular and nerve areas. This revolutionary new approach to socket design required a new name - the Hanger ComfortFlex™ Socket System - and it makes all our previous socket systems obsolete. The Hanger ComfortFlex™ Socket System is a patented design and is only available at Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics patient care centers.
We believe the most important part of any prosthesis, whether lower or upper extremity, is the fit of the socket. A prosthesis can have all the "bells and whistles" you can imagine, but if the socket isn't comfortable and functional, you won't wear it.
Unique Features of the Hanger ComfortFlex™Socket System:
- built-in relief for concentrated pressure points
- totally flexible brim and back
- an aggressive, more intimate fit of the pelvis bone
- improved side-to-side control
- increased front-to-back stability
- reduced socket rotation on the residual limb
- command and alignment of the thigh bone
- anatomically correct channels & grooves
- ability to increase muscle tone in residual limb
The technology provides advances to all levels: above-knee, below-knee, hip disarticulation, hemi-pelvectomy, below-elbow and above-elbow. Today many amputees are able to run, jump, dance, bicycle and participate in sports and recreational activities that were previously thought to be beyond their reach. Many are also able to return to the work force wearing a more comfortable and better fitting prosthesis for up to 10 to 14 hours a day.
Over and over our patients tell us that the most important part of their prosthesis is their anatomically contoured ComfortFlex™ Socket. That's because the socket is the connecting point between the body and the prosthesis. "The socket is the most important part of any prosthetic limb, if the socket doesn't match the residual limbs anatomy exactly, problems can occur. With the ComfortFlex™ Socket system, channels are introduced to accommodate muscle growth, vascular areas and bones," says Kevin Carroll, C.P. - Vice-President of Prosthetics for Hanger and co-developer of the patented Hanger ComfortFlex™ Socket System.
Each month, Hanger Prosthetists attend an intensive socket training course thus making the socket design that revolutionized above-knee prosthetics now available at centers across the U.S. This technology - originally designed to meet the rigorous demands of high active patients and amputee athletes - offers tremendous benefits to the older adult amputee as well. Allowing for more range of motion and comfort while standing or sitting.