A custom made lower limb compression garment maintains effective pressure for 2-3 months and then must be replaced. Alternating between several garments will aid in lengthening the life of the garments. Although in some cases of weight change, or spurts of rapid growth in children, more frequent re-measurement and replacement may be necessary.
Common Options for Custom Lower Limb Garments
Inserts
Posterior knee inserts are frequently requested for lower extremity compression garments incorporating the knee. The insert is a piece of soft stretchy Insert Material (page 11) positioned over the popliteal crease. This helps prevent bunching of the regular garment fabric. Abdominal Inserts may be requested for patients with distended or tender abdomen.
Linings
Any part of the garment may be lined with Lining Material. Linings work especially well to prevent soreness resulting for rubbing, such as the knee or the anterior thigh.
Expansion Panels
Expansion panels, made of soft stretchy Insert Material, are normally installed posterior in a lower extremity garment. A posterior expansion panel in a stocking includes the back of the leg the heel and the plantar foot surface. Expansion panels may add to the life of a garment for a growing pediatric patient or for an adult with changing measurements.
Zippers
For some patients a zipper may be needed in a lower extremity garment so the patient can get it over the foot. Zippers may be lateral or medial, and normally end at Point Y. Anterior or posterior zippers are technically feasible, but should only be requested in extreme cases where the lateral and medial surfaces are too painful or otherwise involved.
Pubis Construction
The default pubis for a male lower torso/extremity garment is closed with a horizontal fly, while the default pubis for a female is closed with a soft crotch gusset. Specify “open pubis” and we make the garment with a large pubic opening.
Fabrics and Design Considerations
Resources
Ordering
Forms
Bio-Concepts Order Form
This should be completed and transmitted with every custom garment order.
Download PDFManuals
How To Prepare The Order Form
Detailed instructions for submitting orders and an example order form.
Download PDFLower Extremity
Charts
Lower Extremity Measurement Chart
Includes lower torso and legs, does not include foot measurements.
Download PDFFoot
Charts
Foot Measurement Chart
Required for stockings with feet; includes Foot Measurement Chart, tracing primer and foot tracing form.
Download PDFManuals
How To Measure The Foot
Procedures and an example measuring chart and tracing guide.
Download PDFSketch Pad
Charts
Bio-Concepts Sketch Pad
To indicate the locations of special linings and other features.
Download PDFBio-Concepts Measurement Charts And Forms
All of the Order Forms and Measurement Charts listed below contained in one file.
Download PDFThe Bio-Concepts Measuring Manual
All of the Measuring Manual sections listed below in one file.
Download PDF