Abstract: Objective To explore the possibities of routine disinfection for prosthetic sockets. Methods From June to August, 2016, 19 lower limbs prosthesis wearers wiped their prosthetic socket surfaces and sprayed the stump socks with a compound of quaternary ammonium salt every night for three weeks. Meanwhile, field investigation and sampling were carried out weekly. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli and Candida albicans were isolated and identified, and colony counting was carried out. Results After disinfection, the number of bacteria on the prosthetic socket reduced 1.8-3.0 log, and the number of fungi reduced 1.6-1.9 log. One strain of Staphylococcus aureus and one strain of Escherichia Coli were isolated before disinfection and one strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated after disinfection. Eczema and itching symptoms relieved or disappeared and deodorant effect was distinguished after continuous disinfection. Conclusion Disinfection on prosthetic sockets with compound of quaternary ammonium salt may control the microbial contamination and odor, reduce the incidence of eczema and other skin diseases.

Key words: prosthetic socket, disinfection, compound of quaternary ammonium salt