Abstract: A system and method for sensing movement of a device associated with a limb. In one example, a prosthetic or orthotic system includes a sensor assembly configured to measure movement of a component of the system in a single direction while substantially isolating negative effects of forces and/or loads in other directions. For instance, the sensor assembly may be advantageously coupled to a pivot assembly configured to substantially mimic a natural ankle joint. The sensor assembly may monitor rotation of a foot unit about an axis of a pivot pin of the pivot assembly and disregard other movements and/or forces. For example, the sensor assembly may include a potentiometer that detects rotation of an associated elongated bellow portion about the axis, wherein the bellow portion includes a plurality of ridges configured to substantially eliminate effects of radial and/or axial forces.

Abstract: A wound dressing defining skin facing areas having different degrees of skin adherence. The dressing comprises a backing layer defining a center portion and a border portion surrounding the center portion. An absorbent core is connected to a surface of the backing layer within the center portion. The absorbent core may be exposed along a proximal surface of the wound dressing, or various adhesives and non-adhesive substrates may be applied along a proximal surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace designed to immobilize the knee by preventing flexion/extension and limiting medial/lateral movement. The brace includes a main support structure embodied in a unitary, rigid stay member with slidable, semi-rigid cuffs at one or both ends to provide length adjustability. The stay member has no popliteal articulation in order to immobilize the knee joint, and further provides attachment for a Velcro strapping system for easy application to the posterior of the leg. A breathable foam softgood insulates the leg and knee from the main support structure and strapping system yet is completely detachable from the brace so it can be trimmed to any desired length or width, and washed as necessary.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis including a footplate having a line of progression that extends from a heel portion to a middle portion to a toe portion of the footplate, and a leg support connected to the footplate. The footplate has at least two superimposed and discrete structural layers each having a different length and extending along at least a segment of a length of the footplate. The footplate defines regions with different thicknesses and stiffness. The leg support has a first end portion connected to the heel portion of the footplate.

Abstract: Embodiments of low cost prosthetic feet include a footplate with a connection mechanism embedded within a first foam element having a first stiffness. A second foam element is bonded to the footplate and has a recess in a proximal surface and a stiffness greater than the first foam element. The second foam element may have a portion extending past the terminal end of the footplate. A cosmesis encloses the components of the prosthetic foot. A third foam element that extends through the cosmesis into the second foam element may be provided. The third foam element may have a higher stiffness than the first and second foam elements.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core which defines opposed proximal and distal surfaces, and peripheral edges delimiting the proximal and distal surfaces. The absorbent core has a central portion with a first thickness, and a beveled portion surrounding the central portion and extending to the peripheral edges. The beveled portion has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness corresponding to the central portion.

Abstract: A prosthesis system including a ventilated shell, and a substantially compliant, ventilated spacer element that defines a first surface having a frictional feature. The spacer element is arranged to secure to an internal surface of the shell. The prosthesis system also includes a connector that is secured to a distal end of the shell, and a retainer supported by the connector so as to extend into a cavity formed by the shell.

Abstract: A method of the invention is provided for making a wound dressing including an absorbent core having proximal and distal surfaces, and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer extending over the distal surface of the absorbent core. The backing layer has a portion defining a compliant element disassociated and outwardly extending from the distal surface of the absorbent core. The method includes the steps of securing a border portion of the backing layer to a border portion of the absorbent core located near the periphery thereof, connecting a central portion of the backing layer to a central portion of the absorbent core, and forming the compliant element by drawing a portion of the backing layer away from the absorbent core.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core having opposed proximal and distal surfaces and a discrete skin adherent, apertured facing layer having a distal surface secured to the proximal surface of the absorbent core. The facing layer includes portions of a proximal surface thereof having different degrees of skin adherence.

Abstract: A cast or support for use in limiting movement of the anatomy to promote healing of an injured body part includes initially flexible and subsequently rigid double-knit material, or other casting blanks. There is a water-hardenable material impregnated into the casting blank. Certain areas of the blank have significantly reduced or no hardenable material. This construction may provide at least one hinge line which extends substantially across the double-knit material or other casting blank where the upper and lower layers are held in engagement with each other. The cast or support may be folded open along the hinge line to permit washing, inspection, or treatment of the portion of the anatomy to which the cast or support is applied or as one step in the preparation of a mold of a portion of the anatomy. More than one hinge line may be provided. Overlapping edges of the blank may also be of reduced thickness and with reduced hardening material to provide a smooth overlap to secure the cast or support in place.

Abstract: A cast or support assembly includes inner double knit padding material in which the outer layer is woven or knit to have substantial size openings, while the inner layer of the double knit material to be located against the skin of the patient is more closely woven or knit. Additional casting fabric is also provided, with this casting fabric being impregnated with water hardenable material. The outer casting fabric may include openings extending through it, so that the entire cast assembly has ventilation openings allowing air circulation to accomplish rapid drying following wetting of the assembly by sweat, rain, or by swimming, for example.

Abstract: A wound dressing including at least one skin adherent facing layer comprising a discrete layer of silicone gel having a plurality of preformed apertures arranged in a pattern. The pattern of apertures may be equally spaced and generally uniform in shape. The wound dressing may include a facing layer with at least two discrete, adjacent silicone gel layers having different strength properties.

Abstract: The invention in some embodiments relates to a dynamic seal for a prosthetic knee. The dynamic seal in one embodiment is utilized to seal a magnetorheological fluid comprising a liquid and solid particles within a chamber of the knee. The dynamic seal embodiments are specially configured with a pre-loaded tensioned garter spring which has a coil spacing that is at least as large as the size of the particles or maximum size of the particles in the magnetorheological fluid. Desirably, this allows the magnetorheological fluid particles to flow in and out of the dynamic seal without clogging the seal and advantageously provides for a reliable dynamic seal.

Abstract: A traction device having an adjustable tensioning mechanism, the traction device attachable to a head support and a cervical collar. The tensioning mechanism includes a traction base, a slider slidably connected to the traction base and an adjustment mechanism to force the traction base and slider in opposite directions. One of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the head support and the other of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the cervical collar.

Abstract: A method and kit for forming a definitive prosthetic socket directly on a residuum without the use of a water hardenable material. A chamber surrounding a web of braided fibers is created on the residuum via the use of inner and outer protective sheaths. A hardenable or curable material for forming the prosthetic socket is injected into the chamber around the web. Pressure is applied around the chamber to form the definitive prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user.

Abstract: A knee brace having a femur support section pivotally connected to a tibia support section is provided. The femur support section has a medial frame and a lateral frame, sandwiched between width adjustment plates. The width adjustment plates hold the lateral and medial frames, and are held together by retainer bolts and nuts. The retainer bolts and nuts can be loosened to permit the lateral frame and the medial frame to slide against the width adjustment plates. Thus, the space between the lateral frame and the medial frame can be adjusted according to the size of the wearer's leg.