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What is the warranty?
We provide three months warranty from dispatch. Warranty provides for exchange or credit against manufacturing defects. Damage caused during installation or by footwear together with accidental holing or tearing under circumstances that we cannot control is not covered by this warranty.
Proof of damage is by return to your supplier, stating the order number and date of receipt. Under some circumstances a high quality digital image, showing the area of damage, providing the information required and the circumstances of failure, emailed to the supplier or sales@rslsteeper may also be accepted.
Will Skinergy™ make my leg waterproof?
No, Skinergy™ is designed as a cosmetic covering. Liquids or dusts entering the prosthesis, either through a hole or tear in the cover or by penetration between the socket and the covert may lead to corrosion, bacterial or fungal growth and other unwanted effects. It is important that the user inspects for defects and entry points on a weekly basis.
When the prosthesis is returned for maintenance we recommend that the cover be removed to check for and remedy any damage. Time should be allowed so that the clinic can carry out this work.
Can I use it? I am an AK amputee
Skinergy™ is designed to cover to knee level. Although additional material is allowed that can extend above the knee.
In the technical literature provided to the installer, techniques are described that allow a fabric cover or stocking to be used with the Skinergy™ when fitted to above knee prostheses. If a good colour match is chosen a pleasing effect can be achieved.
If the cover runs over the knee it will impede the action of the knee mechanism. It way also buckle providing an unacceptable appearance. The cover can be fitted initially without permanently attaching it to the stocking or foam cosmesis. Please discuss the options with your prosthetist so that you can determine what is acceptable.
How many colours do you have?
We make Skinergy™ in two colour ranges. The colours available are based on many years of experience and, we hope will provide a near match for most populations. It would help us to improve our product if the nearest match is not really close, you would discuss this with your prosthetist and make it known to us. We can then judge the market need to create a range to ‘plug the holes’ in the range.
The ranges use slightly different manufacturing techniques. We supply a standard range in 12 colours. The material has a uniform colour although the cover has a variable texture. This range extends from the lightest, 00 often used for people of Celtic or Scandinavian origin to 19 which is a very dark colour suitable for some people of African origin.
We have a second range in 9 colours that extends from 00 to 13. This range is called Truefinish™. The material used incorporates small coloured elements that provide a variable appearance. We believe that this variation creates a more lifelike skin. In some countries Truefinish™ is only available by special order.
We use a Photospectrometer to match batches of material during manufacture and compare the colours produced with electronically recorded master recipes. We compare cured samples of finished material under four different light sources. This process should ensure good batch to batch consistency within the limits of the process.
Colour swatches can be viewed at the clinical centre or approximate colours are accessible on this web site.
We cannot make special colours to order.
What feet are suitable?
We believe that most commercially available adult feet can be covered with Skinergy™. Two ranges are available, Closed Toe,. where all the toes are molded without spaces and Split toe, in which the big toe is separated from the other four. No child’s sizes are available at the present time. The range covered includes feet measuring 220mm to 300mm, four sizes cover this range.
The cover will stretch to cover all widths of foot but the toe detail fits more closely on narrower foot shells.
Will this work with Torque/Shock absorbers
Yes, there is no evidence to suggest that Skinergy™ will be affected by the rotation caused by the action of a Torque or shock absorber. Clearly there may be some temporary wrinkling during the action mode of these components. It is unlikely that Skinergy™ will impede the movement of these devices.
Can the cover be repaired?
We provide an adhesive and matching patches with Skinergy™. These could be used to seal small holes although they are provided to reinforce access holes for adjustment tools.
We do not recommend that these materials are used for anything but temporary repairs.
Are these available on the National Health Service ( UK only)
The Government has made money available for cosmetics at NHS centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Current provision does not cover all centres and individual supply depends upon local policy. Some NHS centres have provided covers without accessing this special fund, for instance some Scottish centres have provided covers on an individual basis.
RSLSTEEPER do not control or seek to influence local ordering policy, either in general or for specific individuals. We will however, provide information and training on request to centres or where requested individual prosthetists and other medical and health professionals.
Are Skinergy™ suitable for feet with Patient Adjustable Heels
Yes, The two most common PAH mechanisms are fitted to; the Total Concept™ (Elation™) foot.. Adjustment of heel height is through the cover at the ankle. And the Blatchford (Endolite) Multiflet™ PAH foot. In this case access holes for the adjustment tool are punched in the appropriate locations at the heel. Reinforcement patches are adhesed in place prior to forming the hole.
Are Skinergy™ suitable for Partial Feet
Yes, Skinergy™ is recommended for partial feet. The sleeve can be rolled down for dressing and rolled back up the calf to provide suspension. Care must be taken, when Skinergy™ is allowed to press against the skin, to ensure that it is not too tight, restricting circulation and causing excessive skin marking. Two sizes of calf are available.
During manufacture care must be taken to avoid sharp edges. Or hard surfaces that may damge the cover during use.
How do you recommend finishing
Full technical instructions are included with the packaging. Always use a sharp blade to cut Skinergy™ and cut against a firm and stable surface. We recommend that the cover is trimmed just above the proximal socket edge.
Can I paint the nails?
Skinergy™ can be painted but varnishes and paints peal off quickly.. A better solution is described in the Technical information provided with the cover.
The technique described involves making linen or cotton ‘nails’ and using the adhesive supplied. The cotton nails can be painted and repainted. They can also be removed if necessary. Please follow the instructions provided.
Can I use Skinergy™ for suspension?
We do not recommend that Skinergy™ is used as a suspension. This is because the pressure on the skin may restrict flexion and circulation.
It may be trimmed so that it covers the edge of the prosthesis and just touches the skin to smooth the transition cosmetically.
Can I use Skinergy™ without shoes
We do not recommend that Skinergy™ is used without shoes. Contact with harsh and abrasive surfaces or sharp stones will damage the cover and this damage is not covered by our warranty. At a minimum, light slippers or flip flops should be worn.
Can I wear on the beach?
So long as appropriate beach footwear is worn and water or sand do not penetrate the cosmesis Skinergy™ can be worn on the beach.
If you intend to tan before or during your holiday and you anticipate wearing Skinergy™, discuss colours with your prosthetist in good time to arrange for a suitable replacement where this is possible.
How do I clean Skinergy™
We recommend a regular, daily clean with a damp cloth using regular soap and water. Dry thoroughly after cleaning.
We do not recommend using solvents to remove soiling on Skinergy™.
How do I stick it at the top?
Full technical instructions are provided in this document and in the pack. A suitable adhesive is supplied for this purpose
Can you leave it long?
We do not recommend leaving the cover long as this may cause constriction and skin marking, particularly behind the knee.
If it is necessary to do this, cut the edge of the Skinergy™ with a scalloped edge to relieve pressure at the edge. Scissors that leave a scalloped edge are available from regular tool suppliers.
RAC 091003
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