What type of cosmeisis for Bock knee?

[Morris Gallo]

Mr. Wallick
I am a prosthetist in Florida and am familiar with the foam covers.  As Al
Pike said, this has always been the weakest link (isn't that a TV show?) in an
endoskeletal system.  I have used the cover from DAW systems as a substitute.
It is made of a rubber so the feeling is different and also cannot be shaped
very well so the finished product is not as aesthetic as with the Bock foam
but it is very durable and long lasting.  Another thing I have noticed is that
the Bock foam disintegrates rapidly in Florida, probably due to sunlight and
ozone.
Another option is to ask your prosthetist about a two piece cover, i.e. thigh
and leg sections.  I often use this system but have to marry components from
various manufactures and make extensive modifications.  You often can do these
and not use any stockings, especially if you treat the cover with liquid
urethane, brand name "2nd Skin".
If you decide to go without the cover, an option many of my patients have
chosen, make sure to visit your prosthetist to have the friction settings
adjusted.  As you noted in your post, the foam does affect knee movement.

Weldon Wallick wrote:

> I got a new AK prosthesis with an Otto Bock knee, about three years ago.
>
> It had the foam with stocking covering on it. Someone told me later, that
> Bock didn't recommend that style anymore. Of course the foam in the knee
> split and holes formed in the stocking, which by the way, they want $25 a
> piece. Being retired and the insurance co. having a high deductible, I
> can't just get and watch them fall apart again.
>
> The foam did greatly affect the knee movement, also.
>
> What is a better cover for this type knee?
>
> As far as I'm concerned, I would remove the cover, spray paint the whole
> thing chartreuse and forget about it. But the family wouldn't be able to
> handle that. Hmm, I bet the grandkids would love it. They "just have" to
> stick their fingers in the hole in the stocking. (Here  in Florida, I wear
> shorts just about the whole year).
>
> I'm a 67 year old male, by the way.
>
> Thanks
>
> Weldon Wallick