Abstract: A method for fabricating a prosthetic limb socket component includes the following steps: (a) obtaining measurements of an individual's residual limb; (b) generating electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb utilizing (at least in part) the obtained measurements; (c) storing the electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb in an electronic record, where the electronic record includes cross-reference information; (d) manufacturing a first prosthetic limb socket component utilizing, at least in part, the electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb; (e) placing a permanent unique indicia on the prosthetic limb socket component, where the unique indicia includes data corresponding to the cross-reference information; and (f) utilizing the unique indicia data to access, with the assistance of a computer, the electronic record via the cross-reference information.

Abstract: A lanyard suspension system for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a lanyard cord adapted to extend from a distal end of a patient's residual limb; and (b) a lanyard lock assembly adapted to be seated at a distal end of a patient's prosthetic limb socket assembly. The lanyard lock assembly includes: (1) a lanyard lock base having a lanyard cord channel extending therethrough from an inlet hole in a proximal surface of the lanyard lock base to an outlet hole in one of a side surface and a distal surface of the lanyard lock base; and (2) a locking mechanism designed to allow the lanyard cord to substantially freely thread through the lanyard cord channel from the inlet hole to the outlet hole while substantially inhibiting the lanyard cord from threading in the opposite direction when in an active setting.

Abstract: A modular shock absorber for a prosthetic limb which may be selectively interconnected between a socket for receiving a residual limb and other prosthetic limb components. An exemplary modular shock absorber includes a generally C-shaped body having a substantially planar first extension coupled to a prosthetic socket, a substantially planar second extension coupled to a prosthetic knee chassis, a substantially curved closed end connecting the first extension and the second extension, and a bias interposing the first extension and the second extension. Some exemplary modular shock absorbers may include first and second extensions that are horizontally and/or angularly offset relative to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee-joint assembly includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment to form a knee joint; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment that includes a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment that is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment that includes a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment that is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee-joint assembly includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment to form a knee joint; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment that includes a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment that is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment that includes a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment that is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a prosthetic limb socket component includes the following steps: (a) obtaining measurements of an individual's residual limb; (b) generating electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb utilizing (at least in part) the obtained measurements; (c) storing the electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb in an electronic record, where the electronic record includes cross-reference information; (d) manufacturing a first prosthetic limb socket component utilizing, at least in part, the electronic data representing outer dimensions of the individual's residual limb; (e) placing a permanent unique indicia on the prosthetic limb socket component, where the unique indicia includes data corresponding to the cross-reference information; and (f) utilizing the unique indicia data to access, with the assistance of a computer, the electronic record via the cross-reference information.

Abstract: A method of socket design and fabrication for Below-the-Knee (BK) amputees that utilizes manual measurements. This method, known as BK by Measurement, utilizes a manual measurement procedure where predetermined points are identified and measurements are taken of a patient's residual limb. These measurements are recorded and thereafter entered into a software package enabling customization by the fabrication facility. Prosthetic components fabricated in accordance with the present invention provide a custom fit, while not relying on more expensive digital imaging technology. The invention also provides a method and associated system for recording and retrieving fabrication and/or fitting data associated with a prosthetic component for use with a particular patient, which can include affixing to the prosthetic component a strip debossed with indicia unique to the particular patient or prosthetic component.

Abstract: A method of socket design and fabrication for Below-the-Knee (BK) amputees that utilizes manual measurements. This method, known as BK by Measurement, utilizes a manual measurement procedure where predetermined points are identified and measurements are taken of a patient's residual limb. These measurements are recorded and thereafter entered into a software package enabling customization by the fabrication facility. Prosthetic components fabricated in accordance with the present invention provide a custom fit, while not relying on more expensive digital imaging technology. The invention also provides a method and associated system for recording and retrieving fabrication and/or fitting data associated with a prosthetic component for use with a particular patient, which can include affixing to the prosthetic component a strip debossed with indicia unique to the particular patient or prosthetic component.

Abstract: An interconnection component or an adaptor bracket for use in coupling a distal end of a prosthetic limb socket to a proximal end of an endoskeletal component of a prosthetic limb, where the interconnection component is specifically adapted to compensate for a patient's flexion contracture.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee-joint assembly includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment to form a knee joint; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment that includes a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment that is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment that includes a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment that is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment.

Abstract: A shuttle-lock for maintaining a patient's residual limb in a prosthetic limb socket includes: (a) a housing having a distal surface adapted to abut an inside surface of a prosthetic limb socket, a substantially concave proximal surface and a hole extending into the center of the proximal surface, where the hole is adapted to receive a plunger pin carried on a patient's residual limb therein; and (b) a lock positioned within the housing for securing the plunger pin received in the hole where the concave proximal surface includes a plurality of radially extending grooves that are adapted to guide the plunger pin into the hole.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the use of the rapid manufacturing systems in the manufacture of prosthetic limb sockets by providing a substantially flat and strong distal attachment plate or base for the deposition of the fused-deposition-modeling materials thereon. The present invention also provides a method for fabricating a socket of a prosthetic limb which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substantially flat distal attachment plate, where the attachment plate includes a coupling mechanism carried thereon for coupling a prosthetic upright assembly thereto; and (b) repeatedly depositing layers of solidifying material to the proximal surface of the attachment plate, controlled, at least in part, according to the dimensions of the patient's residual limb, so as to form a socket for receiving the patient's residual limb.

Abstract: A plunger pin assembly for locking engagement with a shuttle lock of a prosthetic limb socket assembly, includes: (a) a housing having an internal cavity and a center-hole extending into its distal end, communicating with the internal cavity; (b) a cradle retained within the cavity, having a distal-facing outer surface that is laterally slidable with respect to the proximal-facing inner surface of the cavity, where the cradle includes a plunger pin component extending distally therefrom; and (c) a resilient shock absorber positioned, at least partially, between the proximal end of the plunger pin component and the inner distal-facing surface of the cavity; where (d) the cradle includes a center hole extending axially therethrough, the plunger pin component includes a ball positioned on a proximal end thereof, the ball having a diameter larger than the diameter of the center hole of the cradle, and the ball of the plunger pin component is seated in the center hole of the cradle to provide a ball joint coupling

Abstract: An interconnection component or an adaptor bracket for use in coupling a distal end of a prosthetic limb socket to a proximal end of an endoskeletal component of a prosthetic limb, where the interconnection component is specifically adapted to compensate for a patient's flexion contracture.

Abstract: A coupling-socket adapter assembly for a prosthetic limb. A base plate subassembly is attachable to a first prosthetic limb component. A coupling-socket adapter is rotatably attached to the base plate subassembly and has a cavity for receiving a male coupling member (such as a boss of a pyramidal link-plate). Various mechanisms, including a ring having internal threads and including a ring-clamp, are disclosed for locking the coupling-socket adapter against rotation with respect to the base plate subassembly and for unlocking the coupling-socket adapter for rotation with respect to the base plate subassembly, wherein the mechanisms are operable when the base plate subassembly is attached to the first prosthetic limb component.

Abstract: A shuttle lock for maintaining a patient's residual limb in a prosthetic limb socket includes: (a) a housing having a distal surface adapted to abut an inside surface of a prosthetic limb socket, a substantially concave proximal surface and a hole extending into the center of the proximal surface, where the hole is adapted to receive a plunger pin carried on a patient's residual limb; (b) a lock positioned within the housing for securing the plunger pin received in the hole; and (c) means for securing the housing of the shuttle lock within the prosthetic limb socket; (d) where the concave proximal surface includes at least one radial groove which is adapted to guide the plunger pin into the hole. Preferably the housing is substantially cylindrical in the concave proximal surface includes a plurality of the radial grooves circumferentially distributed thereabout, where the radial grooves extend substantially from and outer circumference of the concave proximal surface to an outer circumference of the hole.

Abstract: A plunger pin assembly for locking engagement with a shuttle lock of a prosthetic limb socket assembly, includes: (a) a housing having an internal cavity and a center-hole extending into its distal end, communicating with the internal cavity; (b) a cradle retained within the cavity, having a distal-facing outer surface that is laterally slidable with respect to the proximal-facing inner surface of the cavity, where the cradle includes a plunger pin component extending distally therefrom; and (c) a resilient shock absorber positioned, at least partially, between the proximal end of the plunger pin component and the inner distal-facing surface of the cavity; where (d) the cradle includes a center hole extending axially therethrough, the plunger pin component includes a ball positioned on a proximal end thereof, the ball having a diameter larger than the diameter of the center hole of the cradle, and the ball of the plunger pin component is seated in the center hole of the cradle to provide a ball joint coupling

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the use of the rapid manufacturing systems in the manufacture of prosthetic limb sockets by providing a substantially flat and strong distal attachment plate or base for the deposition of the fused-deposition-modeling materials thereon. The present invention also provides a method for fabricating a socket of a prosthetic limb which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substantially flat distal attachment plate, where the attachment plate includes a coupling mechanism carried thereon for coupling a prosthetic upright assembly thereto; and (b) repeatedly depositing layers of solidifying material to the proximal surface of the attachment plate, controlled, at least in part, according to the dimensions of the patient's residual limb, so as to form a socket for receiving the patient's residual limb.

Abstract: A shuttle lock for maintaining a patient's residual limb in a prosthetic limb socket includes: (a) a housing having a distal surface adapted to abut an inside surface of a prosthetic limb socket, a substantially concave proximal surface and a hole extending into the center of the proximal surface, where the hole is adapted to receive a plunger pin carried on a patient's residual limb; (b) a lock positioned within the housing for securing the plunger pin received in the hole; and (c) means for securing the housing of the shuttle lock within the prosthetic limb socket; (d) where the concave proximal surface includes at least one radial groove which is adapted to guide the plunger pin into the hole.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the use of the rapid manufacturing systems in the manufacture of prosthetic limb sockets by providing a substantially flat and strong distal attachment plate or base for the deposition of the fused-deposition-modeling materials thereon. The present invention also provides a method for fabricating a socket of a prosthetic limb which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substantially flat distal attachment plate, where the attachment plate includes a coupling mechanism carried thereon for coupling a prosthetic upright assembly thereto; and (b) repeatedly depositing layers of solidifying material to the proximal surface of the attachment plate, controlled, at least in part, according to the dimensions of the patient's residual limb, so as to form a socket for receiving the patient's residual limb.