Abstract: A prosthetic socket having a self-contained vacuum reservoir chamber includes a rigid, load-bearing inner socket member for receiving a residual limb and an outer, rigid, load-bearing wall section attached to the inner wall section in a manner providing a vacuum reservoir chamber between the inner wall and the outer wall section. The vacuum reservoir chamber communicates with the inner volume of the inner wall through a vacuum transfer port and the vacuum reservoir chamber may be evacuated via an evacuation port having an appropriate one-way check valve permitting withdrawal of air from the vacuum reservoir chamber while preventing ingress of air into the chamber. A method for making the prosthetic socket is disclosed.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces, the distal surface of the absorbent core defining a central portion, a border portion and an intermediate portion interposed between the central and border portions. The backing layer defines at least one compliant element disassociated from the distal surface of the absorbent core and including at least one ridge extending outwardly relative to the distal surface of the absorbent core.

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 method for making a perforated silicone gel layer includes providing a perforation device having a generally planar surface with a plurality of discrete perforating elements extending therefrom, placing a layer of uncured silicone gel on the planar surface of the perforation device with the perforating elements extending through the silicone gel layer, and peeling the silicone gel layer away from the perforation device when at least a surface of the silicone gel layer adjacent the planar surface has at least partially cured.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core having opposed proximal and distal surfaces including central and border portions, and a discrete skin adherent, elastomeric gel facing layer having a distal surface secured to the proximal surface of the absorbent core and a plurality of through extending apertures arranged in a pattern. A pressure sensitive adhesive layer is applied to the facing layer on at least a segment of a proximal surface opposed to the distal surface thereof. The adhesive layer has greater skin adherence properties than the elastomeric gel of the facing layer.

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. A carrier layer is secured to the border portion of the backing layer within the border portion and includes a first skin adherent facing layer. An absorbent core is connected to a surface of the backing layer within the center portion and a second skin adherent facing layer is disposed along a surface of the absorbent core. The first facing layer has greater skin adhesive properties than the second facing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method to aid in the monitoring of the health of an amputee's limb. The device employs a socket preferably including a liner. The liner may be constructed of an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is configured to hold a plurality of sensors able to monitor the physiological health of the enclosed limb. The inner layer further employs a transmission device able to receive data from the sensors and send such data to an end user; the end user being a computer, the amputee, or a doctor. Through receipt of such data, the end user is aided in monitoring the health of the limb.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing adjustment of the shock absorption.

Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one embodiment to magnetorheological fluids utilized in prosthetic joints in general and, in particular, to magnetorheological fluids utilized in controllable braking systems for prosthetic knee joints. Preferred magnetorheological fluids of the present invention comprises polarizable iron particles, a carrier fluid, and optionally an additive. Preferred additives include, but are not limited to functionalized carrier fluids as well as derivatized fluoropolymers. Preferred carrier fluids include, but are not limited, to perfluorinated polyethers.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an orthopedic support having a flexible inner member and an exo-skeleton that is molded directly onto the flexible inner member. One aspect of the invention relates to a wrist support having a thumb spica. The wrist support includes a molded plastic exostructure supplying support for resisting motion of said wrist. An inner fabric support is attached to said molded exostructure for providing cushioning to the wrist area. A separate, attachable thumb spica member is provided for optionally configuring the wrist support to include a thumb spica.

Abstract: A versatile orthopedic walker includes a high strength engineered plastic base with spaced upper and lower surfaces and upwardly extending slotted strut supports. The base may be laterally and vertically cored, and an outer sole is provided which extends upward over the core openings, with the upper edges of the outsole being ridged to fit into a peripheral groove in the base to provide a smooth exterior surface. Struts of different lengths are provided, and all of the struts have identical arrangements for interlocking with the base. All of the struts may be provided with a three pronged construction to triply lock the struts into the base. The struts may have areas of reduced cross-section providing pivot points or areas of flexibility to accommodate different size patients, and limiting stops may be provided to assure adequate orthopedic support. Fully integrally molded pivoting D-rings may hold walker straps in place.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces and an array of receptacles formed therein. A liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer is connected to at least a portion of the distal surface of the absorbent core. The receptacles open at the distal surface of the absorbent core and extend a distance into the thickness of the absorbent core. Each receptacle contains a plurality of discrete portions of absorbent material. The backing layer is configured to be sufficiently distensible to permit expansion and migration of at least some of the discrete portions of absorbent material from the receptacles upon absorption of exudate by the wound dressing.

Abstract: An ankle brace has first and second semi-rigid shell members for extending over the ankle and the lower leg on the inner and outer sides of the ankle. A sealed bladder pad is mounted to each of the shell members on the side of the shell member facing the ankle. Each bladder pad includes three small-interconnected bladders wherein a first larger bladder is mounted at the lower end of the shell, and two side-by-side upper bladders are mounted on an upper portion of the associated shell member. The three bladders having restricted openings permitting limited flow of air between the bladders. When a patient wearing the ankle brace walks, the lower bladder is compressed, and air is directed through the restricted openings to the upper bladders, thereby intermittently varying the pressure on the ankle and lower leg, and promoting circulation.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus having an expanse of material that can be adjustably wrapped around a portion of a user's body and which is securable thereon. Various therapeutic components can be attached to the material expanse in numerous positions, such that when it is secured on the user, the components direct the therapy to the area of need. Therapeutic components may include for example, pressure-creating devices, hot and cold packs and rigid support pieces. One or more flexible straps, each having an attachment mechanism to allow direct attachment to the material expanse at a plurality of positions can also be provided.

Abstract: A computer controlled hydraulic resistance device for apparatus such as a prosthetic knee for above knee amputees, includes a two stage pilot operated solenoid valve connected to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator which applies resistance to the prosthetic knee or other apparatus through a coupling. Hydraulic pressure is sensed on the high and low side of the actuator by a spring biased magnet and a magnetically actuated electronic sensor and is used by a micro-controller in a closed-loop manner to compensate automatically for variations in the device and in the hydraulic fluid viscosity. The device also has magnetically actuated electronic sensors which sense positions of the apparatus and feed back to the micro-controller for applying a predetermined resistance profile to the apparatus.

Abstract: Footgear with an inner sole (66) having a grid of removable resilient elements to permit removal of selected elements (68) to provide relief to ulcerated or injured areas of the foot. An air bladder (64) may underlie sole (66), preferably with additional cushioning material (40) within the air bladder. A walker (12) with a soft support (20) may be provided with the inner sole within the support. Some of the removal resilient elements may have a higher density or height than others. The footgear may include an adhesively-backed resilient pad (212) to provide additional support to a region. The footgear may include means for reducing shear stress on a bottom surface of the foot. An edema patch (240) may be provided for covering an open space (248) left after a user has removed a removable section from the grid. The edema patch applies pressure to the afflicted zone of the foot (250) preventing fluids from building up.