Prosthetic liners are protective covers developed from a flexible material, which are fitted on a residual limb, and connect the prosthetic socket. The prosthetic liner acts as an interface that goes between a person's skin and a prosthetic. Prosthetic liners help to improve amputee safety and comfort by adding a cushioning layer between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket. These liners are made of standard materials such as polyurethane, silicone, and copolymer, and are classified as lower extremity liners and upper extremity liners.
In short, prosthetic liner acts as a barrier, one that
is applied to the skin before the prosthesis to protect the wearer's skin while
enhancing comfort and maintaining a more consistent fit. These liners help
reduce friction between the prosthetic socket and residual limb and provide
better comfort to the patient. Prosthetic
liners are made from a flexible cushioning material, which
reduces chafing and movement between the skin and socket. Liners help reduces
bone pressure, improve socket suspension, and prevent skin abrasions in the
prosthesis.
Modern liners are equipped with special features such
as anatomical shaping, puncture-resistant formulas, textile outer layers for
easier application, and antibacterial shields and additives to ensure a proper
fit and comfort for the amputees. A prosthesis is a substitute designed to
replace a missing part of the body that may have been missing at birth, or that
is lost in an accident or through amputation. Many amputees around the world have
lost a limb as part of treatment for diabetes, cancer, or severe infection. favorable reimbursement policies are projected to propel the prosthetic
liner market growth
Thus, with the increasing number of amputees, the
demand for prosthetics and prosthetic liners is also increasing at a rapid
pace. In Germany, the total no. of ischemic lower-limb amputations remains
high, more than 50,000/year. In 2019, 62,016 performed amputations were
registered in Germany. Of these, 16,452 procedures (26.5%) were major
amputations and 45,564 patients (73.5%) underwent minor amputations.