Inflation/deflation ratio used for shaping the residual limb is which of the following?

Inflation/deflation ratio used for shaping the residual limb is which of the following?

• A. 3:1
• B. 2:1
• C. 4:1
• D. 5:1

Answer: (C)

Shaping the residual limb with a pneumatic inflation-deflation cycle uses edema management and tissue redistribution to create a tapered, socket-friendly shape. The ratio describes how long the inflation phase lasts compared to the deflation phase in each cycle. A four-to-one ratio means you inflate for a longer period and then deflate briefly, repeated over the session. This provides enough sustained pressure to move fluid proximally and mold soft tissue while allowing brief reperfusion between presses. It strikes a balance between effective shaping and tissue health. Smaller ratios wouldn’t shape as efficiently, while larger ones could be more aggressive than the tissue can tolerate. That’s why four-to-one is the standard used for shaping the residual limb.

Shaping the residual limb with a pneumatic inflation-deflation cycle uses edema management and tissue redistribution to create a tapered, socket-friendly shape. The ratio describes how long the inflation phase lasts compared to the deflation phase in each cycle. A four-to-one ratio means you inflate for a longer period and then deflate briefly, repeated over the session. This provides enough sustained pressure to move fluid proximally and mold soft tissue while allowing brief reperfusion between presses. It strikes a balance between effective shaping and tissue health. Smaller ratios wouldn’t shape as efficiently, while larger ones could be more aggressive than the tissue can tolerate. That’s why four-to-one is the standard used for shaping the residual limb.