Prosthetists First to Learn New MAS Socket

Improved cosmesis is apparent.

Nebraska O & P Services certified prosthetists Brad Rosenberger and Randy Brown are the first practitioners in the U.S. to become qualified to teach and fabricate a new prosthetic socket technique for above knee amputees developed by a colleague from Mexico.

Referred to as the MAS Design for Marlo Anatomical Socket, the new concept was developed by Marlo Ortiz Vazquez del Mercado of Ortiz Internacional, S.A. de C.V., Mexico. A refinement of an ischial containment socket, the MAS variation started in 1999 when its creator trimmed the posterior, or back segment, to make it less obtrusive in the gluteal, or buttocks, region. By lowering the posterior shelf, Ortiz found it easier to confine the ischial/ramus area without interference from the buttocks or hamstrings. The result was a closer fit of the socket's lateral wall, improved cosmesis, and greater range of motion, while still maintaining secure suspension. Additional benefits include more comfort while sitting, easier donning, better mobility without a mechanical rotation device, increased control of the prosthesis, and a more functional gait.

Ortiz emphasizes that proper fit is crucial to the socket's function. Suspension is by suction, either with silicone liners or by means of a suction valve.

With the intent of sharing his findings with colleagues worldwide, Ortiz introduced his MAS socket in October, 2000, at the Spanish O & P Federation Congress in Seville, Spain. Subsequent presentations were made in the United Kingdom and in the U.S. at the spring meeting of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Increased comfort and range of motion are major benefits of the MAS socket design.

Brad Rosenberger met Marlo Ortiz in Mexico while traveling there as part of a humanitarian aid project.

"I was part of a team relief effort organized by AOPA that went down in the mid-80s after a severe Mexican earthquake. I met Marlo through that experience," he explained.

Marlo contacted Brad regarding ideas for introducing the new socket design to prosthetists in this country. The practitioners felt that optimal exposure could be obtained through a series of MAS socket courses for prosthetists that would be conducted across the United States under the auspices of the Orthotic Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA), a nationwide association of independent O & P practices. OPGA hosted the first instructor course this past January in Iowa with Brad and Randy Brown attending. Also enrolled were John Michael, CPO, an internationally-known prosthetics expert who has contributed repeatedly to professional publications, and Agnes Curran, CP, of OPGA, an Iowa practitioner and author of a textbook on upper extremity prostheses, plus a number of other prosthetists.

Future MAS socket courses will be taught by Marlo Ortiz and John Michael in Waterloo, Iowa, on Sept. 10 - 11 and Nov. 12 - 13. Next year the courses will travel to different regions of the U.S. Attendees can earn 13.25 Category I continuing education units from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics. The hands-on workshop includes patient casting, modifications, and fitting of two test sockets; there is also an observer option that allows participation in all classroom lectures.

Rehabilitation professionals interested in attending should contact Jim Andreassen, president of OPGA, by e-mail at , or call Kelly Weidman at 800-214-6742.