Abstract: A wearable apparatus comprises a passive artificial knee that comprises first and second links coupled at a knee joint, a passive compressive force generator coupled to the second link, and a release mechanism coupled to the first link. When an angle of the first and second links is less than a toggle angle, the release mechanism locks in a first operational mode, and the force generator compresses, resisting flexing of the second link. When the angle is larger than the toggle angle, the force generator decompresses and encourages flexion of said second link. When the force generator is extended and said compressive force is small, the release mechanism moves into a second operational mode, wherein the force generator neither resists nor encourages extension and flexion of said second link from said first link. The wearable apparatus comprises an exoskeleton trunk configured to couple to an upper body of a user.

Abstract: A modular prosthesis cooling system may comprise a port disposed in the wall of a prosthesis socket, and a plug module removable disposed in the port. The plug module may comprise cooling element, such as a TEC, and a heat-dissipation element, such as a heat sink or fan. A protective heat-dissipating shroud may be disposed about plug module. The prosthesis socket wall may comprise a heat-conductive layer in a heat-exchange relationship with the cooling element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting hemiplegic and hemiparetic patients are described herein. A wearable gripper system assists a user with one functional hand to independently perform basic tasks. A wearable gripper is located on the forearm above a disabled hand. The user controls the wearable gripper easily and intuitively based on gestures measured by an instrumented wristband device. Movements detected at the functioning wrist and forearm are translated into the motion control commands communicated to the actuators of the wearable gripper. In this manner, the wearable gripper assists the user to manipulate objects in lieu of the disabled hand. In some embodiments, a number of conductive, stretchable string sensors are wrapped around the hand of a user to estimate wrist and hand motion. In some embodiments, a gripper actuator includes two or more fingers, each having a location dependent shape profile and compliance to accommodate different manipulation tasks.

Abstract: A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee includes an adjustable femoral portion, a tibial portion and at least one sensor coupled with the femoral and/or tibial portions to sense pressure exerted by the femoral and tibial portions against one another. The femoral portion is adapted for removably coupling with a distal end of a femur to adjust tension in soft tissue adjacent the knee and has at least one positioning feature adapted to move relative to the distal end of the femur as the femoral portion is adjusted, thus helping position a femoral prosthetic on the distal end of the femur. The sensor(s) may be adapted to sense pressure at medial and lateral sides of the knee, and relative pressures may be displayed as data on a visual display. Adjustments to the femoral member may be made to balance pressure at flexion and extension of the knee.

Abstract: A total knee prosthesis including a tibial component having a baseplate portion and a protruding portion extending from the baseplate portion is disclosed. An axle is connectable to the tibial component directly or indirectly. A femoral component has an articular surface and an opening for receipt of the axle. The opening defines a pivot center about which the femoral prosthesis rotates. The articular surface has a posterior portion having a first flexion radius defining a first flexion center. The first flexion center is offset from the pivot center a distance substantially equal to a product of a constant and the first flexion radius.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of knee ligament balancing for knee replacement procedures. The disclosure provides a system of components to implant to achieve ligament balancing. In addition, instruments and methods are provided to achieve the desired balance of the ligaments before final fixation.

Abstract: A prosthetic device has a movable body and foot member with an end effector for contacting an external surface. A base body is coupled to a first joint of the foot member. A compliant linking member is disposed between a second joint of the foot member and a first joint of the moveable body. The compliant linking member can be a spring or flexible beam. A passive linking member is coupled between a third joint of the foot member and a third joint of the moveable body. An actuator is disposed between the base body and the second joint of the movable body. The actuator can be a motor with an extension member. The compliant linking member extends during roll-over phase. The actuator acts to assist with the extension of the compliant linking member during roll-over phase to aid with push-off phase in the gait cycle.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip and a distal ring coupled with the coupling tip. The assembly further includes a proximal ring coupled with the distal ring. A rocker formed in an H-shape with a first end forming a first split prong and a second end forming a second split prong may extend between the coupling tip and the proximal ring. The coupling tip, distal ring, proximal ring, and H-shaped rocker may all be hingedly connected such that movements of the residual finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic leg for those having a femoral amputee, namely those having an above the knee stump, where certain movements can be difficult to perform. Known prosthetic knee joints that are weight-activated cannot substantially assist short-stumped individuals. The weight placed on the toe will typically cause disengagement of any stance mode there otherwise might be. The invention provides a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide an improved mechanically operated prosthesis for a femoral amputee. The invention also provides an improved electrically-operated prosthesis for a transfemoral amputee.

Abstract: The system and method serves in facilitating replacement of comminuted bone fractures or portions thereof adjacent bone joints. The system and method employs a prosthesis to replace at least a portion of the comminuted bone fractures. The prosthesis serves in reproducing the articular surface of the portion or portions of the comminuted bone fractures that are replaced. In doing so, the prosthesis serves in restoring joint viability and corresponding articulation thereof.

Abstract: A method for repairing a cartilage defect according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, preparing a cartilage defect for implantation of a cartilage graft and attaching the cartilage graft via a transosseus tunnel.

Abstract: A distal femoral joint replacement system includes a femoral component having condylar articular surfaces, a stem extending from the femoral component, and a void filler for filling a bone void within a femur. The void filler includes a body and a plurality of legs extending from the body. The body has a sidewall defining an opening for receipt of the stem which extends along a length of the body and extends through the sidewall so as to form a side-slot in the sidewall that extends along an entire length of the sidewall. The plurality of legs each have a first end connected to the body and a second end remote from the body. The legs each have an outer surface that tapers between the first and second ends and is configured to register with a corresponding inner surface of a bone void when implanted in an end of the femur.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a weight bearing member having at least one powered joint are provided. A system includes a velocity reference module for receiving myoelectric control signals from a user during a non-weight bearing mode for the powered joint and generating a velocity reference for the powered joint based on the myoelectric control signals. The system further includes a volitional impedance module for generating a torque control signal for actuating the powered joint based at least on the velocity reference.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly is provided. The prosthetic assembly comprises: a tibial tray having a medial retaining bracket, a lateral retaining bracket and a substantially centrally disposed boss, a medial bearing, a lateral bearing and a retention clip having a pair or arms which engage opposite sides of the boss and trap the medial lateral bearings, against the medial and lateral retaining brackets, respectively. A method of securing bearing components to a prosthetic assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes first and second parts rotatable relative to one another about a joint. The first and second parts are adapted to form at least part of a weight bearing connection between a prosthetic foot and a socket. A pump system includes a pump mechanism operatively connected to the first and second parts. Rotation of the first part and/or the second part about the joint moves the pump mechanism between an original configuration in which the volume of a fluid chamber defined by the pump mechanism is zero or near-zero, and an expanded configuration in which the volume of the fluid chamber is increased.

Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material includes an outer sleeve including a first proximal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof and a first distal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof and an inner sleeve connected to the outer sleeve via at least one strut so that a bone graft collecting space is defined therebetween, the inner sleeve including a second distal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof in combination with an interstitial mesh extending circumferentially between the inner and outer sleeves to hold graft material in the bone graft collecting space, the interstitial mesh including a third longitudinal split extending along a length thereof so that a distal side of the device may be spread open to open the distal longitudinal slot from the outer sleeve, through the interstitial mesh and the inner sleeve to a space radially within the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An anchor for securing an implant within bone. In one embodiment, the anchor is used to aid in securing an acetabular cup within an acetabulum. The anchor may be implanted within an ischial defect of the pelvis, and is attached to an outer surface of the acetabular cup shell. The anchor is made at least in part of, and may be made entirely of, a porous metal material to facilitate the ingrowth of surrounding bone into the anchor for osseointegrating the anchor into the surrounding bone. The anchor may be secured to the acetabular shell by a screw fastener or by cement, for example. The anchor may be secured to the acetabular shell before the anchor and the acetabular shell are together implanted into the acetabulum, or the anchor may be implanted into the ischial defect, followed by seating the acetabular shell in the acetabulum and then securing the acetabular shell to the anchor.

Abstract: A prosthetic head with a body having the shape of a cup shaped as a hemispherical cap provided with an external surface, an internal surface and a lower edge shaped as a circumference, fixing means to fix the prosthetic head to the cotyle, and a projection abutting from the internal surface of the prosthetic head in such manner to define an annular step, and a truncated-conical portion obtained in the internal surface of the body of the prosthetic head starting from the lower edge of the prosthetic head, the truncated-conical portion of the prosthetic head being suitable for being coupled in conical coupling mode with a truncated conical part of an insert intended to be inserted in the prosthetic head. he projection is shaped as a portion of a spherical cap.

Abstract: The intervertebral implant is in the form of a three-dimensional structure (10) comprising (a) a top side (1) and an underside (2) which are designed to rest against the end plates of two adjacent vertebras, (b) a left side face (3) and a right side face (4), (c) a front face (5) and a rear face (6), (d) a horizontal center plane situated between the top side (1) and the underside (2), (e) a vertical center plane (8) situated between the left side face (3) and the right side face (8) and (f) a plurality of boreholes (9) passing through the implant structure (10) that are designed to receive longitudinal affixation elements (20), the axes (19) of said elements intersecting the horizontal center plane (7). At least one of the boreholes (9) is designed in a manner that the affixation element (10) received in it can be rigidly connected to the intervertebral implant. Said connection is implemented using a thread or by matching conical surfaces.

Abstract: In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle.