Amputee invents custom sleeves

“I knew that whatever was coming would never replace what I had lost,” explained Kurt, who is also a certified prosthetist. “I learned early on that what I needed was something to help me get around easier and back to a somewhat normal life. I was not looking to replace, imitate or recreate the leg I had lost; I just wanted to be able to get around pain-free.”

Kurt felt that the traditional sleeves couldn’t really match the tone of the skin color, and they were always getting dirty. Plus, this made people always look at Kurt’s prosthetics. So, he decided to create his own sleeves, to help people feel more comfortable around amputees.

The inventor now supplies prosthetists and amputees with slip-on covers for prosthetic sockets in patterned stretch fabric, but his socket covers are also used in a laminating process that adheres the fabric permanently to the socket. Clients have a wide variety of patterns to choose from, including patriotic flags, flowers and other patterns.
“Years later, there are 70 styles for all tastes, and not a single day goes by without someone stopping me in amazement at how great my leg looks,” said Kurt. “It somehow seems to change peoples’ lives, both amputee and nonamputee”.

More info: http://fredslegs.com/

Adapted from: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/the-big-cover-up/

What about you, do you have any solutions? Please share them with the Patient Innovation community!