Abstract: A cosmesis including a thigh component and a shin component that fit over a prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component are pivotally joined along an axis of rotation coinciding with that of the prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component can include internal contours molded into their inside walls to seat the prosthetic knee joint securely therein. The knee ball region of the thigh component can be made relatively thicker to provide a protective cushion and allow the patient to kneel. Additionally, a floating knee cap can be fit over the knee ball area. The upper end of the thigh component can be made of sufficiently thin material to permit rolling onto itself.

Abstract: Improvements to a prosthetic knee-joint assembly include: a proximal segment having lower-profile design with a surface adapted for mounting to an above-knee prosthetic limb socket; a releasable lock featuring at least one of two complementary surfaces with radial grooves, which increase friction between the two surfaces to prevent rotation or sliding of a coupler component with respect to the knee-joint assembly; and visual indicia markings for determining the position of a distal coupling relative to the distal segment of the knee-joint.

Abstract: A cosmesis includes a thigh component and a shin component that fit over a prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component are pivotally joined along an axis of rotation coinciding with that of the prosthetic knee joint. The thigh component and shin component can include internal contours molded into their inside walls to seat the prosthetic knee joint securely therein. The knee ball region of the thigh component can be made relatively thicker to provide a protective cushion and allow the patient to kneel. Additionally, a floating knee cap can be fit over the knee ball area. The upper end of the thigh component can be made of sufficiently thin material to permit rolling onto itself.

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: An immediate postoperative prosthesis including: a base adapted to receive a distal prosthetic component, the base comprising a substantially circular pan having a raised wall extending proximally about its periphery; a plurality of flexible straps mounted to and extending proximally from the interior face of the raised wall of the circular pan, the flexible straps adapted to interface with a postoperative residual limb; and wrap materials wrapped around and substantially solidified about the flexible straps. The invention also includes a process for postoperative fitting of a prosthetic component to a residual limb of a prosthetic recipient.

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 limb comprises a socket for receiving a patient's residual limb, and an upright assembly. The socket includes a base provided in its distal end. The base includes a chamber therewithin and an channel for providing fluid communication between the chamber and the interior of the socket. A duct extends through the socket and engages the base such that it is in fluid communication with the chamber. A valve is coupled to the duct to allow controlled or forced gas transfer to and from the interior of the socket. A seal is provided between the base and the socket to facilitate suction between the patient's residual limb and the socket.

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 mandrel, and a method using a mandrel, for fabricating a cosmetic cover for a prosthetic limb having a socket for placement over a wearer's residual limb and having a component positioned outside, and attached to, the socket through aligned holes of the component and the socket. The mandrel has a mandrel plate attached to a mandrel shaft. The mandrel plate has holes aligned with the holes of the socket so the mandrel plate may be attached to the socket and the component thereby supporting the prosthetic limb. The mandrel shaft is placed in a chuck of a milling machine when the supported prosthetic limb, with an attached cosmetic cover blank, is attached to the mandrel plate, and the outside surface of the cosmetic cover blank is milled to match a mirror image of the wearer's sound limb.

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.