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Prescription Shoe Wear

Medicare Coverage for Therapeutic Shoes

STS - Synthetic Tubular Sock


The Synthetic Tubular Sock Impression Material
Information and Instructions for Use
Intended Use: STS impression material is intended for use primarily in molding the foot for the purpose of making a shoe last. It may also be used for last duplication or fabrication of orthotic devices for the foot, ankle and leg. Application suitability should be the responsibility of qualified personnel.
Product Characteristic: STS impression material consists of a stretchy, tubular, fiberglass knit impregnated with a water curable polyurethane resin. Exposure of STS material to moisture or water initiates a chemical reaction which causes the tubular molding material to become rigid. Finished molds or lasts made from STS material are strong, lightweight and replicate the limb extremely well.
Product Storage: Each roll of STS material is packaged in a sealed foil pouch. Care should be taken to avoid puncturing the pouch as this will cause the STS material to harden prematurely in the package. STS should be stored in a cool, dry atmosphere. Extremes of temperature and humidity should be avoided. Each pouch should be gently squeezed prior to opening to check suitability for application. The roll of STS material should feel soft and pliant. Do not use material that feels hard. For optimum performance, ROTATE STOCK.
Precautions: The polyurethane resin in STS material will adhere firmly to unprotected skin and to clothing. Protective latex examination or surgical gloves should be worn while handling the material. Care should be exercised to avoid contacting unprotected areas of the skin of the patient during application by using a plastic bag. Swabbing lightly with alcohol may help in removing resin from the skin if done immediately.
Construction of a Foot Mold:
Seven Steps
It is recommended that the foot maintain a 90 degree angle to the leg throughout the entire casting process to avoid excessive wrinkling at the anterior ankle area.
STEP ONE: Place the protective plastic strip over the foot and leg starting just behind the cleavage between the first and second toes, extending proximally over the dorsum of the foot, and over the anterior aspect of the ankle and leg. Hold the strip in place using three or four strips of 1" paper tape
STEP TWO: Slip the protective plastic bag over the foot and lower leg. NOTE: Latex gloves must be worn while applying the STS material since the resin in the material will transfer and adhere to the skin.
STEP THREE: Remove the STS material from the pouch. Activate by dipping the roll in room temperature water and by squeezing the roll. NOTE: The working time may be lengthened by decreasing the amount of water prior to application. Conversely, the working time can be shortened by increasing the amount of water prior to application.
STEP FOUR: Unroll the STS material an inch or two and stretch it open two or three times.
STEP FIVE: Orient the material so the stitched end is lined up with the toes and place the sock over the toes leaving 1" of extra material at the end of the toes to avoid pressure which may cause deformity.
STEP SIX: Continue to unroll the STS material over the heel and up the leg. Massage the foot and leg area to define anatomical contours, working from distal to proximal to work out the wrinkles. Excessive wrinkling in front of the ankle area can be removed by pulling up on the top front rim to "stretch out" the wrinkles. An alternate method is to make a transverse cut in the fabric across the front of the ankle area from side to side, overlap excess material and massage the area flat. If desired, add water using a spray bottle to enhance slipperiness and accelerate curing time.
STEP SEVEN: If desired, while molding the curing STS material, place the patient's foot on a plastic covered foam casting pad and maintain the desired position until set (approximately 3 to 5 minutes).
Removal Instructions:
Three Steps
STEP ONE: Feel the STS material to determine if any portion is uncured and feels soft or tacky. If the material feels soft or tacky, apply more water (with gloved hands) and allow additional time to complete the cure.
STEP TWO: Using the specially designed removal scissors or electric cast cutter, with the leg in the horizontal position (toes pointing to the ceiling), cut the material beginning at the top margin, proceeding down to the toes. Keep the cut line over the underlying protective strip.
STEP THREE: Spread the STS material and carefully remove it from the foot.

Statistics | Peripheral Neuropathy | Classifying | Treatment | Complications | Non-Healing Ulcers | Wound Care Team | Shoe Wear | Skin & Foot Care | Cases