Prosthetic Shrinker Wear & Care

What is a Shrinker?

After the amputation surgery, the doctor might recommend the patient to wear a sock-like bandage called a shrinker. A shrinker is an integral part of the post-amputation process. Early wrapping of the residual limb can have a number of positive effects:

• Decrease edema and prevent venous stasis by ensuring a proper distal-to-proximal pressure gradient
• Assist in shaping
• Provide skin protection
• Reduce redundant-tissue problems
• Reduce phantom limb discomfort/sensation
• Desensitize the residual limb with local pain

While controversy does exist concerning the use of traditional elastic bandaging vs. the use of a residual-limb shrinker, currently, many institutions prefer commercial shrinker for their ease and reproducibility of donning.

When to Fit a Shrinker

Shrinkers are generally provided by the Prosthetist and fit 1 to 3 days after the stitches are removed. Patients should wear shrinkers at all times until the initial prosthesis is fit. Shrinkers can be worn while the prosthesis is not on.

Some patients choose to wear shrinkers at night throughout the rest of their lives, stating that it helps reduce phantom pain and sensations. It can also help with maintaining their volume to ensure that the prosthesis will fit in the morning.

When NOT to Apply a Shrinker

DO NOT place a shrinker on the patient if:

• The patient still has staples or stitches on the suture
• The patient has an open wound or abrasion

Proper Application

This bandage is designed to fit over the patient's amputation stump like a sock would fit over their foot. Follow these steps for proper application:

1. Stretch out the shrinker to encompass the distal end of the residual limb.
2. Pull the shrinker up onto the limb, making sure not to have any wrinkles.
3. For transtibial (below-knee): The shrinker should be pulled up proximal to the knee.
4. For transfemoral (above-knee): The shrinker should be pulled up into the perineum and proximal to the greater trochanter.

Fit Monitoring and Replacement

Patients may need to be provided with new shrinkers as their limb takes shape. Make sure to monitor the fit daily. Contact your prosthetist if you notice:

• The shrinker feels too loose or too tight
• Changes in limb volume or shape
• Discomfort or circulation issues
• Signs of skin irritation

Long-Term Use

Even after you've been fitted for your prosthesis, many patients find benefit in continuing to wear shrinkers during nighttime hours. This can help maintain limb volume and reduce phantom limb sensations, ensuring a better fit for your prosthesis in the morning.