title: Modular socket system versus traditionally laminated socket: a cost analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Using the new modular socket system (MSS) to produce a prosthetic socket directly on the patient has the potential of being easier and quicker to manufacture but also incurring higher costs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to compare the costs of manufacturing a transtibial prosthetic socket using either a MSS or a standard laminated socket (PC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Concurrent controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 20 patients at two orthopaedic facilities were followed with regards to the cost of manufacturing a prosthetic socket using either MSS or PC. Time aspects and material costs were considered in the cost analysis. Other factors studied include delivery time and number of visits. For the cost analysis, only direct costs pertaining to the prosthetic socket were considered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total cost of MSS was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to PC. However, the production and time cost was significantly lower. Delivery time to the patient was 1 day for MSS compared to 17 days for PC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study shows that the direct prosthetic cost of treating a patient using MSS is significantly higher than treating a patient using PC. However, the MSS prosthesis can be delivered significantly faster and with fewer visits. Further studies taking the full societal costs of MSS into account should therefore be performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that the direct prosthetic cost of treating a patient with Modular Socket System is significantly higher than treating a patient with plastercasting with standard laminated socket. However, the Modular Socket System prosthesis can be delivered significantly faster and with fewer visits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Sweden.
authors.forename: Elna
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Normann
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olsson
authors.forename: Thor-Henrik
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Brodtkorb
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000191:economics* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000191:economics*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D012828:Silicones; D013548:Sweden; D013977:Tibia
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones