A transtibial amputee is prescribed a silicone gel liner with a distal locking pin that engages a shuttle lock built into the pylon. The primary function of this arrangement is:
- A Suspension of the prosthesis to the residual limb ✓
- B Shock absorption during heel strike only
- C Alignment correction of the prosthetic foot
- D Replacement of the prosthetic foot-ankle mechanism
Correct answer: A. Suspension of the prosthesis to the residual limb
Explanation
The pin-locking liner system is a suspension mechanism: the silicone or gel liner rolls onto the residual limb, its distal pin clicks into a shuttle lock in the pylon, holding the socket firmly on the limb regardless of volume fluctuations. Shock absorption is a secondary property of some liners, alignment is adjusted at the pyramid connector, and the foot-ankle unit is a separate component entirely.
Reference: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.