Loosening of the Prosthesis By Jan J Stokosa, CP, American Prosthetics Institute, Ltd Reviewed / Revised Jan 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education The prosthesis socket may become loose because of Morphologic changes in the residual limb (eg, atrophy, fluid volume change) Mechanical problems with the prosthesis Mechanical problems may be due to a loss of suspension or connection to the residual limb or body.