Confidence Socket

Confidence Socket is a moldable prosthetic socket that allows prosthetists to reshape multiple times to fit a wearer’s residual limbs as they naturally change shape.  In the make, it is a unique bioplastic polyester with a very low melting point, high melt viscosity, and high strength and stiffness at usage temperatures. The product was specially designed to be directly molded to the patient’s anatomy for creating final prostheses with ease. The Amparo Confidence Socket is only suitable for patients with transtibial amputations.

The manual contains more specific information. 

It is not suitable for patients with:

• a distal residual limb circumference less than 23 cm (for S) / less than 30 cm (for L) 
• a distal residual limb circumference greater than 34 cm (for S), 45 cm (for L)
• a residual limb length greater than 27 cm

Provided by manufacturer and partners like AT2030 through training workshops and exhibitions. This has been described as one key aspect to penetrating both the home and international markets. Further information can be found in the user manual provided and the user infocard. Ottobock professionals and Amparo also prepared a Step-by-Step tutorial.

The Confidence Socket can be remolded up to 10 times before replacement.

Amparo GmbH in collaboration with AT2030 Network and GDI Hub conducted a clinical trial for the confidence socket in Kenya at AIC CURE International Hospital Kenya (Kijabe, Kenya) and Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) (Mombasa, Kenya). Below-knee amputees aged 18 years and above were recruited for 6 months starting July 8th, 2019, and the clinical trial was completed on November 3oth, 2020. The findings have neither been entered into the National Institute of Health Clinical Trial registry nor been published in peer-reviewed journals since this research has just been completed.

The product’s molding temperature is between 60-70˚C but the insulation of a silicone liner between the plastic and limb ensures safe temperatures for the patient. The same process is currently used in several workshops in Europe and with approximately 50 patients currently using the product. In general, it has been shown to be safe and effective in creating below-knee prostheses. To ensure the safety of this product, Amparo GmbH conducted certified clinical trials.