Abstract: A light-in-weight locking device laminated within a hard prosthesis socket includes a plastic base molded in gripping relation to a metallic pyramid so that the locking device is a one piece, integrally formed unit. A flange of the pyramid is embedded within the base to prevent separation of the base and pyramid. One or more recesses are formed in a central part of the pyramid and plastic positioned in those recesses prevents relative rotation between the base and the pyramid. Circumferentially extending cavities formed in the base receive parts of the prosthesis socket to prevent relative rotation between the base and the socket. The unit has a truncate longitudinal extent so that it easily fits within the socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg is characterized by an elongated, flat pylon operatively secured at its upper end to the wearer's leg and at its lower end to a prosthetic foot. The pylon is constituted by one or more leg elements which are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the leg elements permits interchangeability of leg elements to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic leg. Deformable adjustment is provided in juxtaposition to said leg elements whereby the flexibility of said pylon may be adjusted. To achieve or improve the desired flexure and energy-storage characteristics, the leg elements may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg and pylon is characterized by upper and lower pylon members having one or more spring elements operatively attached or disposed therebetween. The pylon members are preferably interengaged and reciprocable one on the other, so that forces imposed on the pylon result in such reciprocation and the corresponding storage of energy in the spring element or elements. The spring elements are capable of releasing some of the stored energy upon removal of the force. Constraining bands may be utilized to limit the amount of deflection of the elongated springs, and the effective length of the prosthesis may be readily adjusted.

Abstract: An endoskeletal system having an adjustable adapter assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment the adapter assembly utilizes a ball-and-post coupler to adjustably couple an endoskeletal pylon to a stump socket or artificial foot or hand. The adapter assembly includes a cylindrical collar which is fastened to one end of the pylon. The interior bore of the collar is spherically contoured to form a seat for receiving a bulbous end of the ball-and-post coupler, which itself is fastened to the stump socket via a socket adapter plate. The spherical interface of the ball-and-post coupler and the seat forms a articulable bearing.

Abstract: A prosthetic connector assembly (10) for adjustably connecting a socket (22) with a prosthetic limb includes an end plate (12) having a top side (16), a bottom side (18), and a central opening (14) therein. A socket (22) extends upwardly from the top side (16) of the end plate (12) and an attachment member (66) is supported on the bottom side (18) thereof. An oblong washer (26) is disposed within the socket (22) and is supported by the top side (16) of the end plate (12). A bolt (84) extends through the attachment member (66), washer (26), and central opening (14) in the end plate (12) to retain the washer (26) and attachment member (66) against the end plate (12) while permitting relative adjustment of the attachment member (66) with respect to the end plate (12).

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, having a heel, a toe, and a raised instep, the instep including an upper surface and a lower surface, an ankle joint connected to the foot and capable of motion around each of three perpendicular axes, a pair of compression mounts for limiting rotation of the ankle joint, and a connector for connecting the ankle joint to a leg.

Abstract: A fixture permitting adjustment of the position and axial alignment of a prosthesis is characterized by a first attachment member associated with a socket attached to the wearer's stump, and by the fixture's ability to be adjusted without the necessity of removing the socket from the wearer's stump. A second attachment member is operatively attached to the prosthesis, and adjustable attachment means operatively connects the second attachment member to the first attachment member. The adjustable attachment means includes a central bolt member which may be accessed for adjustment without removing the socket from the wearer. The bolt member preferably extends through a rectilinear central opening in the first attachment member, providing a range of selectable lateral positions of the second attachment member with respect to the first attachment member.

Abstract: An exoskeletal (or endoskeletal) ankle connector for use in fixedly securing a prosthetic foot to a prosthetic leg. The foot has an elongated cantilever spring type keel. The keel defines an elongated forefoot part, an ankle part and a heel part merging the ankle part with the forefoot part. The keel ankle part is provided with a cavity. The leg has a bottom end with an integral bolt with the bolt having a free projecting threaded stem.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for simulating the movements of a natural human ankle and foot throughout all the phases of the gait cycle and which is adapted for the removable attachment to the stump of a lower extremity amputee includes an ankle block member having an aperture in which a universal joint is disposed for allowing the ankle block member to simulate the movements to the anatomical limits of the natural human ankle. Attached to the universal joint and extending upwardly therefrom is an elongated tibial component having an upper tibial end to which is attached a tibial shock member for shock absorption of the prosthetic device during phases of the gait cycle when the prosthetic device strikes any walking surface.

Abstract: A connecting part of a ball joint between leg prosthesis components with a lange intended to fasten to the one component, the flange having an adjusting element position on it, consisting of a cup and a four-sided pyramid positioned centrally upon its point. To improve the adjustability of the connecting part, the flange is a rectangular flange with four holes, upon which the adjusting element is eccentrically positioned.

Abstract: An adjustable lower limb prosthesis has a pylon connected to both a prosthetic foot and to the stump adapter by way of a foot/pylon joint and a pylon/stump joint, respectively. Each of the joints is similar and includes a tapered socket holding a truncated conical wedge sleeve. The wedge sleeve has a bore which may be angled with respect to the cone axis, and into which the pylon is fitted. A cap locks the wedge sleeve in the bore and locks the pylon in the wedge sleeve. For adjusting the prosthesis, a set of wedge sleeves are available to the prosthetist, each having a bore with a different offset with respect to the conical axis of the sleeve. The prosthetist selects the appropriate sleeve based upon a prior determination using a temporary pylon and an alignment adapter. The correct foot wedge sleeve and circumferential alignment of the wedge sleeve are set with the aid of discs having offset holes.

Abstract: An adjustable length prosthetic implant includes an implant body and an axially received stem. The stem has a threaded portion and an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone. The implant body includes an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone and a tubular sleeve. The sleeve adjustably receives the stem. An adjustment nut is rotatably carried upon the sleeve for threadably engaging the stem to effect telescopic length adjustment of the stem relative to the sleeve. A jam nut is threaded over the stem and forcibly tightened against the adjustment collar to prevent accidental adjustment of the stem. The female thread formation in each of the adjustment collar and jam nut includes a wedge ramp positioned across the thread root for engaging the thread crest of the corresponding male screw formation on the stem to evenly distribute stresses through the screw formations.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by a low-profile, elongated forefoot portion incorporating an attachment section, an arch section and a toe section, said forefoot portion being configured so that the foot may be worn by Symes-type amputees. The foot further preferably includes a heel portion secured to the forefoot portion. A preferably demountable connection of the heel portion to the forefoot portion permits interchangeability of those components to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Adjustment means is provided to permit adjustment and alignment of the foot with respect to the wearer's stump.

Abstract: An artificial foot which includes a foot blade and a hollow cylindrical body which extends at an angle to the foot blade and which is connected thereto in a manner to permit relative movement therebetween. The foot also includes a two-part brace which is displaceable and adjustably mounted in an upper end of the cylindrical body and is attached to the foot blade at a lower end of the body in a manner such as to permit relative movement between the foot blade and the brace. Displaceability and adjustability of the brace, and therewith angular adjustment of the foot, may be provided by the combination of a ball screw and a ball nut which is rotatable, and selectively lockable by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making prosthetic socket preforms, a method for making prosthetic sockets, and a socket attachment component are disclosed. The method of making preforms of the present invention involves the blowmolding of memory plastics with a cooling step prior to parison expansion to enhance the molded-in stresses of the resulting preform. The blowmolding apparatus of the present invention comprises two mold halves having specially designed knifing sections and a modified blow pin. The method for making prosthetic sockets involves heat- and vacuum-forming memory plastic preforms over a positive cast of a residual limb after preheating of the cast to prevent heat-sinking. The socket attachment component disclosed is adapted for molding with a prosthetic socket during heat- and vacuum-forming, is configured to receive a sleeve attachment shaft, and possesses an integral male member for attaching the component and socket to an artificial limb shaft using bolts or screws.

Abstract: An adjustable length prosthetic implant includes a stem having a threaded portion and an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone. A barrel includes an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone and a sleeve portion extending therefrom and including an elongated chamber defining an axial dimension. The sleeve portion overlies at least a portion of the threaded portion of the stem. A connecting mechanism is mounted on the barrel for interconnecting the barrel and stem and for controlling the axial extension and retraction of the stem from the barrel.

Abstract: An expandable endoprosthesis for a joint and adjacent bone parts has first and second joint component parts. The second component has a part at one end thereof for a portion of a joint. The second component has a telescoping stem coupled to its joint part for attachment to a long bone. The telescoping stem has an inner and an outer member axially adjustable with respect to one another by means of a threaded spindle and a threaded spindle nut attached respectively to either the inner or outer member. A pinion gear is attached to either the spindle or spindle nut for rotation therewith. An indexing system is provided to rotate the pinion a predetermined amount upon movement of the first and second joint components towards one another after implantation and thereby lengthen the second joint component stem.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in attaching a leg prosthesis. The purpose of this coupling device is to allow for the quick attachment or detachment of the prosthesis without removal of the bucket portion which is left connected to the wearer by suction or by a belt. The device is both self aligning and quick coupling. One plate has a plug and the other plate has a socket into which the plug fits. A threaded pin joins the two plates and forces the two plates, which are deliberately misaligned, together.

Abstract: A prosthesis for attachment with an adjustable fitting clearance to an amputation stump in which optionally, the fit therebetween can be diminished by connectors threadably engaged with each other one thread at a time, or the fit totally released by correspondingly releasing the threaded engagment of the connectors.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg is characterized by an elongated, flat pylon operatively secured at its upper end to the wearer's leg and at its lower end to a prosthetic foot. The pylon is constituted by one or more leg elements which are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the leg elements permits interchangeability of leg elements to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic leg. Deformable adjustment means is provided in juxtaposition to said leg elements whereby the flexibility of said pylon may be adjusted. To achieve or improve the desired flexure and energy-storage characteristics, the leg elements may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: An ankle joint prosthesis comprises an upper part for attachment to an artificial leg and a lower part for attachment to an artificial foot, with the upper and lower parts rotatively coupled and capable of being fixed in a first position for walking, a second position for swimming, or a free-flexing mode for activities such as skiing or rowing. The upper and lower ankle parts have coaxial bores in which a cam part is mounted by means of two bushings. A pin-and-slot arrangement allows locking of the prosthesis in a desired position. Changing positions takes only seconds, and is effected by rotating a spring-loaded "D"-ring on the side of the ankle prosthesis by hand. In a preferred embodiment the ankle joint prosthesis is completely waterproof and precision machined from a lightweight, high-strength plastic.

Abstract: A prosthetic alignment device having a shank member, an alignment body, and setscrews to adjust the angular orientation of the shank member and secure the shank member in place relative to the alignment body. The alignment body has a body cavity into which the shank member is inserted, a concave bearing surface for engaging a spherical radius of curvature of the end of the shank member, and an annular opening for inserting the end of the shank member. Angulation of the shank member inside the body cavity causes the annular opening to elastically deform and exert a hoop stress on the shank member increasing the securing force therebetween.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis as a prosthetic foot and an elongate rod formed substantially of unidirectional long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, the fibers extending substantially parallel to the length of the rod. An adjustment apparatus for the prosthesis includes a pair of pods which may be clamped to the rod and rotated at controlled angles once the thermoplastic rod has been heated to its deformation temperature.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot apparatus with a movable heel to facilitate insertion of the heel into tight pants legs, boots, shoes and the like. The apparatus includes a generally stationary foot base and a heel connected thereto for movement between a normal walking position and a dressing position displaced forwardly and downwardly therefrom and a releasable locking means for retaining the heel in the walking position.A method for moving the heel of a prosthetic foot to facilitate its insertion into tight pant legs, shoes, boots and the like includes: providing the prosthetic foot apparatus of the invention; releasing the locking means; allowing the heel to move forwardly and downwardly to the dressing position; inserting the foot apparatus into the pant leg, shoe, or the like; and returning the heel to the walking position by stepping down on the foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic capture device to interconnect a sleeve which grips a stump of a limb with a prosthesis. The silicone sleeve is constructed with a threaded screw protruding down from the bottom of the sleeve. A spring loaded sliding plate with a keyhole shaped hole, operating in conjunction with a fixed plate with a circular hole, is used to capture the screw head when it is inserted into the prosthesis. An adjustment plate attached to the capture device on the prosthesis has two circular sections which fit into a base plate, and each of the circular sections has a slot into which is set a clamping screw. The base plate is connected to the body of the prosthesis. The base plate can be moved in an elliptical pattern relative to the prosthesis as the clamping screws slide in the slots.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis assembly is provided for immediate post-operative applications which includes a weight-bearing prosthetic device in conjunction with a removable, size-adjustable rigid dressing for placement around a patient's amputation stump. The weight-bearing prosthetic device includes a foot-ankle assembly attached to an adjustable endoskeletal shank having adjustment means, medial and lateral uprights extending upwardly from the endoskeletal shank, and an open ended quadrilateral thigh socket attached to and located between the medial and lateral uprights. The thigh socket includes a proximal ischial weight-bearing shelf for supporting the patient without contacting the open wound of the amputation stump. The rigid dressing includes a substantially stump-shaped rigid cast portion for placement around the stump which is open-ended at the top and shaped to enclose and secure around the stump at its bottom to apply mild compression for suppressing edema of the stump.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis (10) which is hydraulically operated is disclosed. It comprises a cylinder (12), which is closed at one end, and piston (28), which slides inside the cylinder (12). The relative locations of the cylinder (12) and piston (28) are controlled by a liquid (26) filled bladder (24) which is located inside the cylinder (12). Liquid (26) is introduced into the bladder (24) via a valve (22) which fits through the side wall (21) of the cylinder (12). The valve (22) is constructed so that liquid (26) can be introduced to or removed from the bladder (24). One end of the prosthesis (10) is shaped to mate with the remaining segment of bone. The other end of the prosthesis (10) is shaped to replace the other end of the surgically removed bone segment. In addition, the internal surface (18) of the cylinder (12) and the external surface (30) of the piston (28) are grooved or keyed so as to prevent rotation of the piston (28) inside the cylinder (12).

Abstract: Presented is an arrangement for coupling two rod-shaped prosthesis sections that displays a clamping sleeve having at its ends contrarotating internal threads that can be screwed with corresponding external threads of the prosthesis sections. To prevent loosening of the connection, the free ends of the prosthesis sections are provided with complementary, sloping contact surfaces which, when tightening the clamping sleeve, produce a loaded diagonal thrust and thereby place the screw couplings under load.

Abstract: An adjustment device for artificial limbs includes a hollow cylindrical member having an open upper section and an open bottom end, and a plate member disposed on and covering the open bottom end. A coupling member is received in the hollow cylindrical member and has a top plate portion to cover a central through opening of the plate member, and a downwardly extending post portion projecting from the top plate portion and having a diameter smaller than the central through opening. The post portion extends through the central through opening of the plate member. The hollow cylindrical member is laterally movable to adjust the position of the post portion in the central through opening. The post portion extends into a sleeve member. A mounting member has a cylindrical portion with an upper surface which is provided with a concave recess. The sleeve member is tiltably received in the concave recess so as to guide the post portion in an inclined position relative to a vertical axis of the mounting member.

Abstract: A leg prosthesis with a tube (10), and adjusting head (11) arranged in the proximal end (4) of the tube. First means (16) allow adjustment of the angular attitude of the tube relative an imagined load line. Second means (12,13) allow translatory movement of the tube (10) relative the adjusting head (11). Fixing means fix the tube in a desired translated position relative the sleeve. The first and second means are both situated on the adjusting head at the proximal end of the tube, and both allow basic adjustment of the tube with the prosthesis in position of the wearer.

Abstract: A turntable for an artificial limb provides a rotatable joint which enables the limb to be turned into the cross-legged position. The turntable includes two relatively rotatable plates and axially moveable means for locking one plate relative to the other in one position.

Abstract: A link between members of a prosthetic limb, such as a connector between a knee joint and an elongated artificial leg member, has a frustopyramidal four-sided boss divergingly projecting from a spherically convex base which slidably engages a correspondingly concave annular socket surrounding the boss. Two pairs of set screws set 90.degree. apart in the annular socket are tightened against the sides of the frustopyramidal boss to enable its adjustment within a swing angle in two mutually orthogonal planes defining posterior-anterior positioning and lateral-medial positioning of the component parts of the prosthetic joint. The joint includes indexing means on a portion of one part visible for comparison of its angular position relative to the other part. The indexing means indicate relative position of the component parts in a plane that sets posterior-anterior position and in a separate plane that sets the lateral-medial position of the device.

Abstract: An improved artificial leg comprising a socket fitted to mate comfortably to an amputee's stump and having a vise-like attaching member mounted thereon, a stem portion having an attaching portion adapted for releasable mating with the attaching member of the socket and having a foot member comprising a semi-spherical ring secured to the lower end of the stem, a generally semi-spherical base member rotatably secured to the ring, a resilient sole covering the bottom of the base member and a boot formed of resilient material secured to the stem and serving to mormally urge the base member to a predetermined position with respect to the stem.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes two hinge members connected together by a bearing, and detachable dovetail couplings which connect the hinge members to rods that are inserted respectively in the bony cavities of the femoral and tibial bones.

Abstract: An alignment device is provided for an artificial limb and comprises first and second end plates fastenable to respective upper and lower parts of the limb in a predetermined angular and axial position. A flexible sleeve fastened between the end plates forms therewith an internal cavity for containing a body of settable fluid. When the fluid body is in a flowable state relative movement between upper and lower parts of the limb during alignment thereof are accommodated by flexion of the sleeve. When the fluid body is in a solidified state it establishes a rigid mechanical linkage between the end plates, thereby preventing relative movement of the upper and lower parts. Angular alignment between an end plate and an adjoining part of the limb is provided by pegs on one of said parts engaging sockets on the other of said parts.

Abstract: A hip joint for a prosthetic leg has first and second members pivoted together by a pin through the first member. The pin includes an outer spool-like spindle roatable in a bearing in said first member and an inner spool-like spindle rotatable in a bearing in the outer spindle and carrying pivots for the second member. The inner spindle has an axis skew to the outer spindle so that firstly an angle may be set between the pivot axis of the joint and said first member by adjusting the relative angular positions of the inner and outer spindles and secondly an attitude of said pivot axis may be set by adjusting the angular position of the outer spindle relative to the first member. The hip joint may have a buffer assembly that contacts an abutment on the first member at a contact line or plane to define a rearward limit of swing of the second member.

Abstract: An adjustable prosthesis for a bone joint comprising a joint component, an elongated rod having a distal end and a proximal end, a drive trunnion connected to said rod through an angular gear, an elongated inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and means for preventing rotation of said inner sleeve within said outer sleeve, said elongated rod including a threaded spindle and said inner sleeve including a threaded spindle nut which cooperates with said threaded spindle to provide longitudinal adjustment of the inner sleeve relative to the rod, said inner sleeve being telescopically slidable within said outer sleeve but being prevented by said means from rotating within said outer sleeve, said outer sleeve being secured to said joint component, said elongated rod being supported at its proximal end in said joint component for rotation relative to the joint component by said drive trunnion and angular gear, said drive trunnion being rotatably supported in said joint component, and said elongated rod having means for bein

Abstract: A leg prosthesis is disclosed which incorporates a novel spring-biased telescopic shank permitting amputees to run and take part in a variety of sports such as volleyball and basketball. The shank includes a spring and damper piston which absorb ground impact forces shortening the shank at heel-strike minimizing the impact on the amputee's stump. At toe-off the spring recoils to restore the original length of the limb and provides impetus to accelerate the prosthetic leg so that full extension of the leg occurs prior to the next heel-strike. The shank can be prestressed for use with amputees of different weight and can be readily fitted to conventional prosthetic feet and knees.

Abstract: This patellar tendon bearing (PTB) prosthesis has a socket, a modular shank component, and a foot component which is attached rotatably to the shank component.It allows a more comfortable sitting of the amputee fitted with such a prosthesis by allowing the foot component of the prosthesis to be safely and smoothly axially rotated inwardly or outwardly (.+-.90.degree.) with respect to the shank component of the prosthesis and to distribute uniformly the load, while sitting, on the whole lower limb, and to be latched in one of several positions.

Abstract: Reconstructive orthopedic prosthesis devices for cadavers comprised of plastic tubing, elbows and fasteners, for use by undertakers and morticians. The devices are used in cadavers whose bones have been harvested for bone banks, in order to give the cadaver a normal appearance.

Abstract: A first member of an artificial limb such as a tube socket has a generally rhombic flange formed with throughholes grouped into an anterior-posterior pair and a medial/lateral pair spaced at 90 degree intervals about the axis of socket. The lower face of the flange carries a ball formation of a ball and socket articulation. A second member in the form of ankle attachment plate has a concave seat that accepts the ball and threaded bores conforming to the through holes. The first and second members are held together by clamping screws received in the bores that fit onto washers having spherical lower faces that articulate on seats. The resulting alignment device is simple to manufacture and preserves angular position when an adjacent pair only of the clamping screws are removed. A similar alignment device having a cylindrical projection articulating in a cylindrical seat under the control of a single pair of clamping screws provides for heel height adjustment.

Abstract: An improved adjustable device for artificial limbs includes: a cylindrical member having an open section at an upper end for being fixedly coupled with a lower stump portion of an artificial limb, and an annular recess with a plurality of cavities and through openings formed at a lower end; and a coupling member with a mounting piece for being connected to an upper joint portion of an artificial limb and a circular convex protrusion provided on top of the mounting piece with a plurality of screw holes formed in the circular convex protrusion for being coupled with the cylindrical member through a plurality of screw bolts; so that, by adjusting the screw bolts adjustably fixed in the through openings of the cylindrical member, the gravitational equilibrium of the adjustable device can be easily obtained without taking apart the artificial limb incorporated therewith.

Abstract: A coupling system including a male element having a first end and a second end in which the first end is integrally connected to said socket portion and said second end comprises an annular, circumferential shoulder. Also included is a hollow, pipe-like female element depending from the prosthesis to be changed, and having two longitudinal side openings each on opposite side walls of said female element. In association with the female element is a pair of cam latches which are rotatably secured within said side openings of said female element. Each cam latch comprises, in combination, a convex arc and handle element disposed, with relationship to said openings, such that the selective downward rotation of said handles will bring said convex arc of said cam latch into the interior of the female element and, thereby, within the walls thereof.

Abstract: The device for the alignment research, the alignment and orientation of a first portion of a prosthesis with respect to second portion of said prosthesis comprises at least three elements, two of said elements having spherical contact surfaces and two of said elements having flat contact surfaces, said elements being interposed between said first and second portions of prosthesis and moved one with respect to the other to adjust the respective positioning and orientation of said two portions of prosthesis.

Abstract: A tubular joint for receiving and fastening a tubular element of an artificial limb includes a tubular member having a chamber to receive the tubular element therein and formed with a recess defined by inner walls of the coupling conically inclined towards each other, two clamping grips overhung in the recess, and an adjusting screw insertable into the coupling to press the clamping grips against the tubular element to clamp the latter in the chamber of the coupling.