Abstract: A cushioned prosthetic liner includes a distal attachment plate to which is secured a number of longitudinally extending elongate arms that are substantially non-stretchable in a longitudinal direction. The arms allow radial expansion and contraction of the liner but substantially inhibit axial stretching and therefore inhibit milking of a residuum. The arms may be embedded within the liner or secured to a surface of the liner. The structure spreads the negative pressure generated during the swing phase of a gait over substantially all of the inner surface area of the liner to further inhibit the milking effect. The elongate arms are preferably formed of silk, fiberglass cloth, or other substantially non-stretchable material. They may also be provided in the form of a strip of epoxy applied to a surface of a conventional prosthetic liner or in the form of seams sewed into the liner. Additional embodiments include prosthetic liners having no distal attachment plate.

Abstract: A socket has a gelatinous core to provide an enhanced cushioning effect for a residual limb. The gelatinous material is covered by a flexible inner cover that shields the skin of the residual limb from the gel and by a flexible outer cover that shields the inner wall of a prosthetic frame from the gel. The inner cover prevents the gel from absorbing body oils and therefore eliminates odors associated with liners formed of gelatinous materials. A self-inflating foam pad is positioned between the inner and outer covers to adjust the fit as needed when the residual limb changes in volume. The pad initially has substantially no air in its interstitial spaces and air is admitted when the patient opens a valve. This prevents over-pressurization of the pad because the maximum pressure that can be exerted by the pad is determined by the prosthetist when the patient is fitted with a prosthesis.

Abstract: A liner that covers an amputation stump and which cushions the stump when it is placed into a prosthesis socket includes selectively inflatable bladders foe customizing the liner to fit individual patients. The liner is made of two liner parts, one being an inner liner and the other being an outer liner. The inner liner is placed onto the amputation stump and a prosthetist determines the region or regions where bladders are needed to provide a comfortable fit. The region or regions are outlined with an adhesive and the outer liner is then brought into overlying relation to the inner liner so that the two liner parts adhere to one another along the outlined regions. Upon inflation, the inner liner conforms to the shape of the amputation stump to provide enhanced cushioning and the outer liner conforms to the shape of the interior wall of the socket and the patient receives a custom fit from a simple appliance.

Abstract: A liner that covers an amputation stump and which cushions the stump when it is placed into a prosthesis socket includes selectively inflatable bladders for customizing the liner to fit individual patients. In a first embodiment, the liner is made of two liner parts, one being an inner liner and the other being an outer liner. The inner liner is placed onto the amputation stump and a prosthetist determines the region or regions where bladders are needed to provide a comfortable fit. The region or regions are outlined with an adhesive and the outer liner is then brought into overlying relation to the inner liner so that the two liner parts adhere to one another along the outlined regions. Upon inflation, the inner liner conforms to the shape of the amputation stump to provide enhanced cushioning and the outer liner conforms to the shape of the interior wall of the socket and the patient receives a custom fit from a simple appliance.