Is HiFi a “socketless” socket?

HiFi prosthetic socket and socketless sockets are both advancements in prosthetic technology designed to improve amputee experience, but they take different approaches:

HiFi Prosthetic Socket (Interface)
● Focuses on bone connection: Achieves a more natural feel by interfacing with the residual limb’s bone structure for better control and sensory feedback.

● Utilizes compression and release: Applies targeted pressure to stabilize the bone and minimize soft tissue movement within the socket.

● Improves functionality: Offers greater comfort, increased energy efficiency, and enhanced prosthetic control for activities of all levels.

● Non-surgical: Achieves close bone connection without surgical intervention. HiFi technology was engineered as “Socketless Socket” that addresses the most important factor for amputees, Biotensegrity Bridge.

There isn’t a widely accepted definition for a “socketless socket;” in the medical field. It might refer to a concept or design in development that aims to eliminate the traditional socket altogether.

Here are some possibilities for a socketless socket:

● Direct skeletal connection: Implant-based designs that connect directly to the bone, requiring surgery. Not all patients qualify for this option and is dependent on level of amputation and where the limb segment is amputated. Many factors contribute to this option and extremely low chance of patients being eligible.

● Osseointegration (OI): A well-established surgical procedure for creating a direct connection between the bone and a prosthetic limb. Do know that there is some pre-qualifications you must meet physically to be a candidate for OI. Low percentage of patients meet these requirements. In fact, if you search the reddit boards and amputee support groups, many patients bodies actually reject this procedure.

● One prosthetic brand is using the term “socketless,” but is still a prosthetic socket and has a tightening mechanism that allows for adjustment but is not truly a “socketless” by definition in the medical world.

Choosing between HiFi and Socketless (if it exists/eligible):

Currently, HiFi interfaces are a proven technology offering significant benefits for amputees. Socketless sockets, if referring to non-surgical designs, likely wouldn’t provide the same level of control and stability.

If “socketless socket;” refers to implant-based solutions, a doctor would need to assess an individual’s situation to determine if it’s the most suitable option compared to a HiFi interface.

Biodesigns’ HiFi system is a patented prosthetic socket solution that integrates superior socket design, comfort, performance and support. We have built a global network of trained and certified prosthetic clinics that have integrated HiFi socket technology into their clinical workflow. To visit a clinic near you click here.