Abstract: Palatal expander apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate (“palatal expanders”) and methods of using and making them. These palatal expanders may be configured to have a variable surface smoothness on one side (e.g., the lingual-facing surface) compared to the opposite side (e.g., the palatal-facing surface). These palatal expanders may be configured to have a varying thickness in the palatal region. These palatal expanders may be adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver (e.g., including a hinged region and/or detachment region, and/or including a thinner buccal side then occlusal side, etc.).

Abstract: Self-activated orthodontic expander including a left frame and a right frame, where the left frame and right frame include, respectively, a left body and a right body, each having anchoring means for anchoring them to the teeth of a dental arch. The bodies have through holes oriented in a predetermined expansion direction, where the frames are slidably mounted along the expansion direction by guides inserted into the holes of the bodies. Elastic elements are arranged and acting between the frames. The guides are further constrained with each other by a bridge oriented orthogonally to the same guides and adapted to prevent the reciprocal movement of the guides.

Abstract: An orthodontic post and pin system for secure attachment of a dental appliance to an alignment wire, which also facilitates quick and easy removal and replacement. The system described herein uses a “twist-lock” dental post that is rotated onto, and counter-rotated off of, an alignment wire. The dental post includes structural elements to facilitate the twist-lock functionality, as well as structures for accepting a fastener to secure the alignment wire in place and inhibit unintentional or undesired dislodging.

Abstract: A dental implant that facilitate insertion and can be used in all bone types. The implant includes a body having a coronal end, and an apical end opposite the coronal end. A tapered region may be adjacent the apical end. On the apical part one or more taps are provided so the tap is cutting when rotating clockwise and counter-clockwise. The implant can have at least one variable profile helical thread that extends along the tapered region. The implant can have also micro-threads below the main threads, a gradual compressing tapered core, a self drilling apical end and a narrow coronal region.

Abstract: A dental implant for supporting periodontal tissue and the supporting bone is provided. The dental implant includes an implant member with inner canal for insertion into a periodontal bone socket, and an anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly includes a first fastening element and radially equidistant cylindrical members. The first fastening element engages the implant member within the hollow axial cavity. The root section includes through-holes for radially and forcibly sliding the cylindrical members through them. When the first fastening element apically advances within the hollow axial cavity, the cylindrical members generate an anchoring force to anchor the dental implant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a digital overdenture. The method includes a first operation of aligning and setting a plurality of pieces of implantation information of fixtures according to alveolar bone information in a planning image, a second operation of designing and manufacturing a surgical guide and a holder abutment mounting guide, a third operation of preparing a temporary denture corrected to form a temporary holder insertion portion having an inner surface part into which a holder device is inserted to be shape-matched therewith, in which the surgical guide is installed in the target arch to implant the fixtures and the fixing bar is fixed to the holder abutments moved to and coupled with top ends of the fixtures by the holder abutment mounting guide, and a fourth operation of manufacturing a digital overdenture including an artificial tooth portion and an artificial gum portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe sized to be at least partially inserted into an intraoral cavity of a patient and an illumination unit configured to output light. The apparatus includes a light focusing assembly comprising an image space lens, an object space lens and a focus changing assembly between the image space lens and the object space lens and being configured to: overlap a plurality of light beams of the light within the light focusing assembly; and focus the light to a plurality of external focal planes to illuminate the patient's teeth. The apparatus includes a detector to measure one or more characteristics of incident light returning from the illuminated patient's teeth and a processor coupled to the detector and configured to generate data representative of a topography of the patient's teeth based on the one or more measured characteristics of the incident light returning from the illuminated patient's teeth.

Abstract: Dental blank for the production of a dental prosthetic restoration, in particular of a multi-coloured dental prosthetic restoration, by processing removing the outer region of the blank, comprising (i) an inner connecting element having an preferably peg-shaped scaffold region in the direction of the coronal region of the dental blank and an implant connection geometry in the radicular direction of the dental blank, (ii) wherein the scaffold region of the connecting element is connected to a dentin scaffold region in the direction of the coronal region of the blank, and wherein (iii) the dentin scaffold region is connected to an (iv) outer region of the blank in the region of enamel in the direction of the coronal region of the blank, and wherein (v) the dental blank has an inner elongated lumen for fastening of the produced dental prosthetic restoration on an implant or abutment by means of a connecting screw or a bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis from a prosthesis base and a plurality of prosthesis teeth, characterized by the following chronological steps: providing the prosthesis teeth and the prosthesis base, wherein the prosthesis base comprises a plurality of tooth sockets for locating the basal surfaces of the prosthesis teeth; applying a plastically deformable connecting means onto the tooth sockets and/or basally onto the prosthesis teeth; locating the prosthesis teeth into the tooth sockets of the prosthesis base and in this situation connecting with the aid of connecting means to the prosthesis base in such a way that the prosthesis teeth, after locating in the tooth sockets, are movable in relation to the prosthesis base, wherein the position and the alignment of the prosthesis teeth to the prosthesis base remain retained if no external force effect is exerted onto the prosthesis teeth; changing the position and/or the alignment of at least one prosthesis tooth in the pro

Abstract: Various implant analogs and dental modeling techniques are disclosed herein. The implant analogs are versatile and can be used in traditional modeling techniques or in rapid-prototyping techniques for producing dental models.

Abstract: A dental curing light includes a device body that efficiently conducts heat away from the light emitting diode (LED) portion of the curing light. The device body is one-piece body formed from a continuous seamless piece of thermally conductive material extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The one-piece body includes a gripping handle portion extending to the proximal end and a light-emitting head portion extending to the distal end. The one-piece thermally conductive body acts as a heat sink to efficiently conduct heat away from the LED dies during use. The one-piece body eliminates problems of multi-segmented curing lights that include one or more joints between adjacent segments. Eliminating joints increases thermal conductivity of the body, eliminates crevices where microbes can grow, and eliminates the risk of accidental separation if the curing light is dropped.

Abstract: A method of reducing counterfeit medicaments or reducing medicament abuse is provided, the method comprising making an oral appliance for delivering a medicament to teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside an oral cavity, the oral appliance comprising an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or all of the interior surface of the oral appliance, the interior surface being formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and being configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament thereto. In some embodiments, the oral appliance is used in a blockchain system.

Abstract: An implantable medical device obtained by means of two-photon laser polymerisation of a resin to form a three-dimensional matrix, wherein: said three-dimensional matrix comprises a number of levels distributed in height; and said three-dimensional matrix comprises reference means designed to uniquely identify the height of each level from a pre-set reference, by means of a multi-photon fluorescence-excitation microscope; said implantable medical device being characterised in that said reference means comprise a solid having a cross section that varies with height.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure provides a prosthetic valve delivery assembly that includes a storage tube. A prosthetic valve having a frame is at least partially disposed within the storage tube. A nose cone is disposed about an elongated shaft. A stylet having at least a first bent portion extends through a lumen of the nose cone. The at least a first bent portion is disposed within the lumen of the nose cone and restricts axial movement of the elongated shaft relative to the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a method for locating an expandable implant for treating BPH within the prostatic urethra of a patient. The delivery device comprises an inner tube and an outer sleeve moveable relative to the inner tube between a stored position and a deployed position. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube to define an annulus therebetween and the expandable implant is retained within the annulus when the outer sleeve is in the stored position.

Abstract: A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

Abstract: A novel and advantageous implant device and methods for implanting the device are provided. Particularly, novel and advantageous devices and methods for breast reconstruction are provided. More particularly, novel and advantageous devices and methods for breast reconstruction to provide a more realistic form are provided.

Abstract: A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes a first end configured to be pulled through a scleral tunnel in an eye and a second end. Each end is wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Two portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis, and the portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. The scleral prosthesis is formed from a single integrated piece of material. The second end is undivided. The insert is configured to be placeable between the two portions. The two portions may be separated from one another without external interference, and the two portions may be configured to be pushed towards each other in order to reduce a width of the first end and then separate after release.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) includes one or more haptic structures coupled to hold the IOL (100A) system in an eye. The IOL also includes one or more mechanical-to-electrical transducers (107) that detect mechanical changes in the eye and, in response to the mechanical changes, output an electrical signal. An accommodation actuator (101) is electrically coupled to the one or more mechanical-to-electrical transducers, and in response to the electrical signal the optical power of the accommodation actuator changes.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve may include a valve assembly disposed within a stent, and first and second cuffs. The stent may extend in a longitudinal direction from an inflow end to an outflow end. The first cuff may be annularly disposed adjacent the stent. The second cuff may have a proximal edge facing toward the inflow end of the stent and a distal edge facing toward the outflow end of the stent. The second cuff may be annularly disposed about the stent radially outward of the first cuff. The distal edge of the second cuff may be coupled to the first cuff and/or the stent at a plurality of locations to form a pocket(s) between the first and second cuffs. The proximal edge of the second cuff may be coupled to first cuff and/or to the stent at a spaced distance from the inflow end of the stent.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve that is radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration includes an annular frame including a plurality of angled strut members, and a skirt member secured to the frame. The skirt member includes a plurality of extension portions wrapped around at least one strut member adjacent the extension portions. The prosthetic valve further includes a cord member threaded through at least a portion of the plurality of extension portions to secure the skirt member to the at least one strut member.

Abstract: A side-deliverable prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame and a flow control component. The outer frame defines a central channel that extends along a central axis. The flow control component is disposed within the central channel and coupled to the outer frame. The flow control component has a set of leaflets mounted within an inner frame. The prosthetic valve is configured to be folded along a longitudinal axis and compressed along the central axis to place the prosthetic valve in a compressed configuration for delivery via a delivery catheter. The longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of the delivery catheter when disposed therein. The prosthetic valve transitions to an expanded configuration when released from the delivery catheter. The flow control component elastically deforms from a substantially cylindrical configuration to a substantially flattened configuration when the prosthetic valve is placed in the compressed configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transcatheter heart valve replacement (A61F2/2412), and in particular a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve having a tubular frame with a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter for implanting at a desired location in the body, said compressed configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, and expandable to an expanded configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, wherein the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the deliv

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate methods of delivering a valve prosthesis to an annulus of a native valve of a heart. A valve delivery system is introduced into a ventricle of the heart via a ventricular wall of the heart. The valve delivery system has a displacement component at the distal portion thereof. The valve prosthesis is in a delivery configuration and the displacement component is in a delivery state in which the displacement component has a first outer diameter. While the valve prosthesis is in the delivery configuration, the displacement component of the valve delivery system is radially expanded into an expanded state in which the displacement component has a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. The valve delivery system is advanced towards the annulus of the native valve of the heart with the displacement component in the expanded state to displace chordae tendineae.

Abstract: Transcatheter heart valve delivery systems having a tip assembly configured to close the hole or perforation made in a patient's septal wall after transseptal delivery of a stented prosthetic heart valve to a defective heart valve (e.g., a mitral valve). The delivery device is configured to permit in vivo release of the tip assembly immediately after deployment of the stented prosthetic heart valve to implant the tip assembly into the septal wall proximate the hole through which the stented prosthetic heart valve is delivered. Methods of treating the defective heart valve, including closing the hole made during transseptal delivery of the stented prosthetic heart valve with the tip assembly of the delivery device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon shaped to have one or more enlarged recons to selectively increase expansion forces on an implant. For example, the balloon may have a central portion that is enlarged to exert more force on the center of a stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve. This overcomes the stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve's tendency to expand with flared ends. This forms a more cylindrical or barrel shaped stent frame during expansion of the balloon—reducing or eliminating the instance wherein the cylindrical stent frame has flared ends. Alternatively, the balloon may have conical flares placed to cause or enhance flared ends of the cylindrical implant to enhance its anchoring capabilities.

Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft translatable within the outer shaft. An internally exposed coil is disposed within the inner shaft and is electrically coupled to an externally exposed coil that can be used to inductively transmit a current flowing through the internally exposed coil. An actuation member extends within the inner shaft and includes a coupler, a force translation rod that extends proximally from the coupler and a plurality of push pull rods that extend distally from the coupler and that releasably couple to the implantable medical device. As the force translation rod moves relative to the internally exposed coil, an impedance varies in accordance with relative position.

Abstract: A delivery system for a transcatheter heart valve (THV) to a subject is provided, the delivery system includes a delivery catheter housing the THV therein; an elongated member for receiving the THV thereon and having an accessory extending from the distal portion thereof, the accessory comprising a plurality of components for alignment with commissures of the THV during delivery of the THV, and a rotational member connected to the elongated member to rotate the accessory and THV together to align with a native or bioprosthetic valve commissure or valve leaflet at a desired angle.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed that reinforces weakened or degenerated areas of at least a portion of a leaflet (24) Of the heart valve. Function of a heart valve is thus improved. The medical device comprises at least a first partly flexible leaflet reinforcement patch (30) having an extension between an inner section (34) and an outer section (32), wherein said outer section (32) is configured to be oriented towards said annulus,and said inner section (34) is configured to be oriented towards said inner section of said valve tissue, and at least a portion of said inner section (34) of said flexible leaflet reinforcement patch (32) having at least one of said plurality of leaflets (24) in juxtaposition to said portion of said inner section (34), and said portion of said inner section (34) being positioned to provide reinforcement to said plurality of leaflets (24).

Abstract: A method for reducing left ventricular volume, which comprises identifying infarcted tissue during open chest surgery; reducing left ventricle volume while preserving the ventricular apex; and realigning the ventricular apex, such that the realigning step comprises closing the lower or apical portion of said ventricle to achieve appropriate functional contractile geometry of said ventricle in a dyskinetic ventricle of a heart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing artificial osseous tissue comprising: a client computer acquiring an image information of a subject bone tissue from an imaging unit that picks up an image of a subject bone tissue of a patient to generate a 3D image information; a server computer identifying the subject bone tissue based on the image information of the subject bone tissue received from the client computer, generating a 3D image information of at least one therapeutic bone tissue model corresponding to the subject bone tissue, and transmitting the 3D image information of the at least one therapeutic bone tissue model to the client computer; and a machining unit for fabricating an artificial bone tissue based on the 3D image information of the therapeutic bone tissue model determined from the server computer.

Abstract: Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a sacro-iliac joint. In one embodiment, a tool assembly may be advanced from a posterior approach into the SI junction and configured to create a defect defined at least in part by portions of both the sacrum and the ilium, the defect having a three dimensional shape defined in part by at least one noncircular cross sectional shape in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly. After a defect is created, the tool assembly may be retracted and a prosthesis deployed into the defect.

Abstract: A system for performing a minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion. The system may be in the form of a disposable kit, with the components streamlined so that the procedure can be performed in a few minutes. The screw components are self-drilling and self-tapping. The system may deploy blades through the walls of the primary screw which cut away material as the primary screw is set, for denuding the sacroiliac joint. The primary screw is designed bore through and internalize bone tissue in an autografting process. The implant system may include components for packing bone grafting material into the screw to supplement autograft bone tissue internalized in the primary screw during placement. At least one side screw is passed through a head of the primary screw to anchor the head and prevent it from backing out after implantation.

Abstract: A spacer for a knee replacement prosthesis may be provided. The spacer may include a lower surface, the lower surface having a locking component adapted to interlock with a tibial tray; an upper surface, the upper surface having an optional central femoral guide and a pair of condyle support platforms, each of the condyle support platforms being disposed on an opposite side of the central femoral guide, each of the condyle support platforms being smooth, the surface of each of the condyle support platforms further having a shallow concavity; and a body incorporating the upper and lower surfaces, the body having a hollow outer portion surrounding an internal reservoir, the body being impermeable to fluid; the body further having one or more ports, each with a channel, each channel extending through the hollow outer portion of the body directing the flow of fluid in and out of the port(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and related surgical methods for replacing some or all of a metatarsophalangeal joint of a patient.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a chassis extending along a first axis and including a first thread. A first member extends along a second axis and is pivotably coupled to the chassis. A second member extends along a third axis between and is pivotably coupled to the chassis. A rack includes opposite top and bottom surfaces. A first spur is coupled to the first member such that the first spur engages the top surface. A second spur is coupled to the second member such that the second spur engages the bottom surface. An actuator includes second thread that engages the first thread such that rotation of the actuator move the implant between a first orientation in which the second and third axes extend parallel to the first axis and a second orientation in which the second and third axes extends at an acute angle relative to the first axis.

Abstract: Expandable implant devices including first and second endplates, wherein a first side of the first endplate is moveably attached to a first side of the second endplate; and an expansion mechanism is disposed between the first and second endplates adjacent the second side of the endplates opposite the first side, wherein actuating the expansion mechanism changes an angle between the first endplate and the second endplate.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant which generally includes a frame structure and a porous structure. Both the frame and porous structure at least partially define at least six surfaces which make a three-dimensional profile of the implant. The porous structure is positioned at least partially within the three-dimensional profile.

Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices and corpectomy devices suitable for use with an oblique implantation. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer having a substantially U-shaped body and a plate coupled to the spacer. The overall shape of the implant is asymmetrical such that a median plane, an oblique plane, or both planes divide the spacer and the plate into two asymmetrical halves. The implants are shaped and configured to allow for an oblique or anterolateral approach to the spine or an oblique corpectomy.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant is provided that can comprise upper and lower body portions that can each have proximal and distal wedge surf aces disposed at proximal and distal ends thereof. An actuator shaft disposed intermediate the upper and lower body portions can be actuated to cause proximal and distal protrusions to converge towards each other and contact the respective ones of the proximal and distal wedge surfaces. Such contact can thereby transfer the longitudinal movement of the proximal and distal protrusions against the proximal and distal wedge surfaces to cause the separation of the upper and lower body portions, thereby expanding the intervertebral implant. The upper and lower body portions can have side portions that help facilitate linear translational movement of the upper body portion relative to the lower body portion.

Abstract: Osteoconductive devices and methods of use are provided herein. An example device includes a hollow body member having surfaces, the hollow body member having a shape that substantially conforms to a cross-sectional area of an opening of an orthopedic prosthesis, and apertures formed in the surfaces of the hollow body member that provide a osteoconductive path through the hollow body member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first height and a first width to an expanded configuration having a second height and a second width.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering bone graft material, which utilize a graft material cartridge. The bone graft delivery system comprises an outer delivery unit and a graft material cartridge. The bone graft delivery system is configured to provide a mechanism that loads graft material through a delivery tube and not at the end or outside of it.

Abstract: The Modified anatomical direct lateral approach (Vitosha approach), a novel approach in hip arthroplasty, preserving the iliofemoral ligament and restoring the joint capsule, providing higher initial joint stability and easier rehabilitation without the need for post-operative patients' dislocation precautions is provided. The fascial incision curves along the posterior aspect of the greater trochanter and ends at its lower border, preventing a split of vastus lateralis muscle. The anterolateral periosteal layer which conjoins the gluteus medius and vastus lateralis muscles is sharply elevated from the greater trochanter. Gluteus medius muscle and the underlying gluteus minimus are split along its fibers and retracted anteriorly. A vertical capsular incision is made anterior to the femoral shaft, starting from the basicervical line and extending proximally along the longitudinal body axis, with the iliofemoral ligament fibers remained intact.

Abstract: A TFL Protector for use during a total hip arthroplasty having a generally semi-circular or U-shaped elongate body includes a distal end, a proximal end, an elbow and a convex surface opposite a concave surface. The generally U-shaped or semi-circular elongated body extends from the distal end to the proximal end and the proximal end turns back toward back toward the distal end at elbow.

Abstract: Various embodiments of intervertebral implants, anchoring devices for intervertebral implants, and implantation instrumentation are provided, along with various embodiments of methods for using one or more of the devices. Some embodiments of an anchoring device have a body comprising at least one curve and a rigid plate elongated along a longitudinal axis so that its front end enters at least one vertebra while its rear end remains in the passage of an implant. In some embodiments, the plate comprises at least one longitudinal slot separating at least one posterior portion of the plate into two branches, with at least one branch comprising at least one withdrawal stop configured to retain the device in the implant.

Abstract: An insertion assembly may include a flexible tool and a DTS guide configured to engage an intervertebral spacer having a fastener channel oriented at a first angle. The DTS guide may include a DTS guide channel oriented at the first angle which may be aligned with the fastener channel. The flexible tool may include a flexible shaft and a working member disposed at a distal end of the flexible shaft. The working member may be received through the DTS guide channel at the first angle. At least a portion of the flexible shaft adjacent the DTS guide member may flex while the working member is received through the DTS guide channel, such that a distal portion of the flexible shaft may be at a greater absolute angle relative to a DTS guide shaft than a proximal portion of the flexible shaft.

Abstract: Various embodiments of cervical plates for treating the spine are provided. The cervical plates include an access surface and a bone facing surface. The cervical plate further includes at least one hole between the access surface and the bone facing surface. The hole includes a trajectory surface that guides an anchor into a corner or edge of a vertebral body, wherein a portion of the hole extends into the disc space region. In some embodiments, the cervical plate includes a ledge to support high angle screw insertion. In some embodiments, an interbody implant is provided. The cervical plate and the interbody spacer can have a corresponding curvature.

Abstract: A hinged connecting device comprising a damping mechanism intended to counter a predetermined resistance at least during bending of the prosthesis (1), by replacing the muscle groups usually used for this purpose. The damping mechanism (200) is capable of being switched between a first operating mode (M1), selected by default, in which the value of the resistance corresponds to a first maximum value (Vmax), and a second operating mode (M2), that can be actuated only in a hyperextension position (P0) of the prosthesis (1), in which the resistance value corresponds to a second minimum value (Vmin); and the hinged connecting device (2) moreover comprises a fully mechanical locking system (3), arranged in order to allow the second operating mode (M2) to be activated only when the inclination of the tibial part (102) exceeds a first predetermined oriented angle (X1) relative to the vertical.

Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.