Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of prosthetics, more specifically to a pinless anthropomorphic hinge or joint, and a digit comprising one or more phalanges connected by and articulating around pinless joints, whereby the joints provide compliant movement in more than one plane. This disclosure also relates to modular prosthetic systems comprising multiple digits, in particular for partial-hand replacements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adjustable prosthetic ankle separate from a prosthetic foot includes an upper coupling member, a lower coupling member that couples with the upper coupling member, and a flexion angle adjustment mechanism associated with the coupling members that enables a user to change a relative angle between the coupling members, and therefore a flexion angle of the prosthetic ankle, without using any tools.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint with buffering and braking effects has an upper connecting base, a linking assembly, a braking assembly, and a lower connecting base. The upper connecting base has two extending arms and an accommodating recess. The linking assembly has two linking arms respectively and pivotally connected to the upper connecting base. The braking assembly has a braking arm protruding into the accommodating recess of the upper connecting base and pivotally connected to the two extending arms. The lower connecting base is connected to the linking assembly and the braking assembly. The upper connecting base, the linking assembly, the braking assembly and the lower connecting base form a four-bar linkage. A cushion between an abutting element and a main body provides a buffering effect during walking. Thus, the prosthetic knee joint has simplified structure and reduced cost and is convenient in assembly and use.

Abstract: The hydraulic ankle joint includes a main member having a fluid supply chamber storing a hydraulic fluid, a first pressure regulating chamber, a second pressure regulating chamber, and a space connecting the chambers. The space houses an axle element rotatably joined to the main member. The main member is rotatably mounted on a U-shaped hinge seat. An extension piece is extended radially from the circumference of the axle element. A fluid block penetrates through the main member and into the space. The extension piece and the fluid block jointly partition the space into a front chamber and a back chamber. The first and second pressure regulating chambers adjust the back and front chambers' pressure so that impact from walking may be effectively buffered. The fluid supply chamber automatically refills hydraulic fluid into the front and back chambers so as to reduce user maintenance overhead.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device includes a body configured to support at least a portion of a human limb of a user wearing the prosthetic or orthotic device. The device can also include a shock absorption member coupled to the body. The shock absorption member includes one or more magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) springs disposed between a first portion of the body and a second portion of the body. The one or more MRE springs are selectively actuatable to vary a stiffness of the shock absorption member via the application of a magnetic flux, thereby adjusting a stiffness of the body of the prosthetic or orthotic device to a level corresponding to an activity level of the user.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb attachment system, for attaching a residual limb segment having a distal end to a prosthetic limb having a socket having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, using a liner. The liner is made of a flexible material and has an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and liner walls extending therebetween. The liner has a sealing ring extending laterally inwardly from the walls that has a central opening. The liner is turned inside out and the liner walls are rolled up onto the residual limb segment so that the sealing ring may be positioned against the residual limb segment, oriented upwardly thereupon, to create a vacuum seal such that downward forces on the liner will only increase the vacuum seal with the residual limb segment.

Abstract: A disarticulated compression socket configured to secure a residual limb. The disarticulated compression socket may include a rigid socket frame having one or more compression apertures each having one or more disarticulated compression inserts. Each disarticulated compression insert may be coupled with, and responsive to, a compression actuator configured to adjust the disarticulated compression insert individually, or in concert. In one preferred embodiment, at least one compression actuator may be coupled with one, or a plurality of disarticulated compression inserts and further configured to retract and/or expand the coupled disarticulated compression inserts securing the residual limb within said socket frame. Control of the compression actuators may be manual or automatic in response to a signal from a sensor.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket system includes a socket having an inner surface defining a socket cavity. A liner is adapted to receive a residual limb and be removably positioned within the socket cavity. A substantially sealed volume is defined between at least a portion of an outer surface of the liner and a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the socket. A wicking material is positionable in the substantially sealed volume and at least one cooling fluid can be carried by the wicking material. The at least one cooling fluid is adapted to selectively boil within the substantially sealed volume such that heat from the residual limb is converted into latent heat of vaporization by the at least one cooling fluid for a cooling effect.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: An osteoconductive vascularized porous metal implant device and method for implanting the vascularized device are described herein. The vascularized implant device comprises an implant which is porous titanium, tantalum or other metal which is biocompatible with the mammalian body and at least one vascular conduit which connects the porous implant to an animal vasculature, such as a human vascular system.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes first and second regions divided by a longitudinal line extending between the first and second ends of the device. The device has a continuously knit elasticized fabric layer including a first set of yarns located about a circumference of the device through the first and second regions. The fabric layer has different knit structures in the first and second regions to obtain different elasticity while sharing the first set of yarns so that the first region has a first elasticity, and the second region has a second elasticity greater than the elasticity of the first region. An elastomeric layer secures an interior surface of the fabric layer.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an innovative, cost-efficient driving mechanism for the prosthetic hand industry that makes the use of only one motor to individually control each digit on a prosthetic hand separately. The use of the novel magnetic actuation system, locking mechanism, and spline nut and shaft configuration coupled with the single motor greatly reduces the weight, size and power usage of the prosthetic, increases functionality, minimizes noise, increases and speeds and forces, and orients the parts of the device in a manner that creates an aesthetically appealing design.

Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.

Abstract: A programmable prosthetic foot includes a heel member simulating a heel portion of a human foot. The heel member has an elongated heel member shaft extending in a vertical direction. The foot also includes a forefoot member simulating a forefoot portion of a human foot. The forefoot member has an elongated forefoot member shaft extending in the vertical direction. A sensor on the foot detects compressive force on the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft during a step. An actuator on the foot imparts vertical translation to the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft. An electronic controller in operable communication with the actuator includes program instructions for operating the actuator by imparting the vertical translation to the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft as a function of the compressive force detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A prosthesis liner for placing on a stump includes an elastic main body which has a proximal opening for inserting the stump into a receiving space, and a distal end. At least one suction cup is arranged on the outside of the prosthesis liner.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for repairing soft tissues of a skeletal joint, such as, for example, of the foot or hand are presented. Disclosed techniques include techniques for the repair of a palmar plate of a hand or foot, including advancing a foot of a suture passer through, or adjacent to, a joint space and advanced into a flexor tendon sheath a distance to produce an amount of suture purchase on a plantar/palmar plate. The foot of the suture passer can also be moved medially or laterally away from a joint midline but still within the flexor tendon sheath to further locate stitches. The sutures can then be secured to restore the function of the plantar/palmar plate.

Abstract: A device is provided including a first linkage system and a second linkage system. Each linkage system may include an upper support, a lower support, and a cross bar linkage including a first cross bar and a second cross bar. The first cross bar may be configured with a first end pivotally coupled to a first end of the lower support and a second end pivotally coupled to a second end of the upper support. The second cross bar may be configured with a first end pivotally coupled to a second end of the lower support and a second end pivotally coupled to a first end of the upper support. The device may also include a flexible bridging platform coupled to one of the upper support or the lower support of the first linkage system and coupled to the upper support of the second linkage system, and a flexible strut coupled to the lower support of the second linkage system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a surgical method includes creating an incision in a patient, exposing a multi-component prosthesis implanted in a patient, disassembling at least one component of the multi-component prosthesis, and coupling a first revision implant component to a first component of the multi-component prosthesis. The revision implant component has a body including at least one of a projection or an opening that is complementary to a feature of the first component of the multi-component prosthesis for coupling the revision implant component to the first component of the multi-component prosthesis.

Abstract: A liner interface and method of making the liner interface comprising attaching non-compressible deformable electrically conductive receptors to an inner surface of a fabric layer, placing the fabric layer into a female part of a molding machine, axially deforming the deformable receptors from their initial thickness with a male part of the molding machine, injecting a molten gel elastomer into the molding machine to completely surround and adhere to the receptors and inner surface of the tubular fabric layer, allowing the molten gel to cure, and removing the male part from the molding machine and allowing the axially deformed receptors to axially expand beyond the inner surface of the cured liner interface.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant useful in a cementless application is disclosed. The implant may include a curved bone facing surface and one or more pegs or keels. Preferably, the implant is implanted on a bone surface that has been prepared so as to allow for a snap fit between the implant and the bone.