Body
A Shrinker or Removable Rigid Dressing (RRD) helps reduce swelling in your residual limb and protects it while healing. Individuals with a below-knee amputation typically receive an RRD, while those with other amputation levels usually receive a shrinker.
Shrinker Instructions
Inspect your skin before putting on the shrinker. If you notice red or irritated areas that do not disappear within 20 minutes, inform your doctor or prosthetist.
An above-knee shrinker has a short side and a long side. Place the short side on the inside of your thigh near the groin and the long side along the outside of your hip. An above-elbow shrinker also has a short and long side; the short side goes on the inside of your arm near the armpit.
Pull the shrinker up as high as possible and make sure the skin is not rolled or pinched by the inner edge. Check that the end of the shrinker is pulled tight over the end of the residual limb. The material should not bunch or look loose, as the shrinker works by pushing fluid up and out of your limb.
Some shrinkers have a Velcro strap to hold them in place. For an above-knee shrinker, secure the strap around the hips; for an above-elbow shrinker, secure it around the chest.
Other shrinkers use a wide silicone band instead; ensure the band lays flat on your skin to prevent slipping.
If the shrinker feels too loose, remove it and put a 2-ply soft sock on the residual limb first, then the shrinker over the sock. You may add more socks as your limb continues to shrink. When you are wearing all your socks at once, contact your prosthetist or physician to see if you need a smaller shrinker or are ready for a prosthesis.
Wear the shrinker as much as possible, day and night, to reduce swelling and improve healing. Remove it and inspect the limb at least two to three times per day. If redness or irritation does not go away within 20 minutes, notify your doctor or prosthetist. Wash socks according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rigid Removable Dressing (RRD) Instructions
Inspect your skin before putting on the RRD. If you see red or irritated areas that do not disappear within 20 minutes, inform your doctor or prosthetist.
Apply a single soft sock (the white stretchy socks provided when the rigid dressing was made), ensuring there are no wrinkles. Depending on your doctor’s orders, your cast may include a below-knee shrinker or a brown compression grip stocking.
If using a shrinker, pull it over the white sock without wrinkles. If using compression grip, pull one end above your kneecap and leave extra length hanging off the limb. Twist the free end to cover the limb and pull it up over the first layer. The second layer should end below the kneecap so there are two layers below the knee and one above.
Place the rigid dressing (hard cast shell) on your limb, aligning the front marking with your kneecap. If the cast slides on with some resistance, you have the correct number of socks. If it feels loose, remove the cast, add another white sock, and try again. Continue adding socks until the cast fits snugly without excess layers. Your limb must touch the bottom of the cast and the front edge should reach your kneecap.
A piece of compression grip attached to the RRD will hold the cast on your thigh; pull it into place. Wear the RRD as much as possible, day and night, to reduce swelling, protect the limb, and prepare for a prosthesis. Remove the RRD and inspect the limb two to three times daily. If redness or irritation persists beyond 20 minutes, contact your doctor or prosthetist. Wash socks according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have any questions or concerns about your shrinker or RRD, please contact us. You can send a secure message through the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Patient Portal or call 312-238-1000 to schedule an appointment or leave a voicemail for your prosthetist. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Body
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details. © Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter.
