Abstract: A system for removing perspiration from a residual limb inserted in a prosthesis comprising an nonporous prosthesis socket, a porous thin sheath adjacent the socket, a nonporous liner adjacent the sheath, an osmotic membrane adjacent the liner allowing water vapor to pass from the limb but preventing liquid from passing to the limb, a nonporous seal that prevents air leakage between the residual limb and the socket; and, a vacuum source to reduce the pressure in a space between the limb and socket. A method of removing perspiration from a residual limb in a prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to prostheses for amputated patients. The shaft of the prosthesis has an outer shell and a concentric inner shell. Both shells are provided with longitudinal slits which are staggered in relation to each other and extend essentially in an axial direction. The diameter of the shaft of the prosthesis can be adjusted by tightening elements. An adaptor is fixed in the shaft of the prosthesis in such a way that the height of the adapter can be adjusted. A conical bearing surface for the stump of the limb is provided on the upper side of the adapter, a holding element for fixing an artificial limb is provided on the lower side of the same, and a coupling is provided inside the adapter for detachably fixing the coupling pin of a commercially available silicone liner.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: A subcutaneous, intramuscular support (1) is provided for a rigid transcutaneous implant (2), which can be anchored intracorporeally in a bone stump. The support has an intermediate piece (3) between the part of the implant (2) to be intracorporeally anchored and an extracorporeal coupling device (4) that can be coupled to it. A rigid bushing (5) is firmly connected with the intermediate piece (3), such that an annulus (6) is formed between the wall of the bushing (5) and the intermediate piece (3), the annulus being closed in the intracorporeal direction, and into which annulus the extracorporeal coupling device can be inserted. A tube (7) made of a flexible material is applied to the outer wall of the bushing (5), and a metallic wool (8) is applied to the flexible tube (7).

Abstract: A subcutaneous, intramuscular bearing for a rigid transcutaneous implant that can be anchored intracorporeally in a bone stump and that has an extracorporeal coupling device for a standard exoprosthetic component that includes a flexible material, and that has a socket that distally surrounds the implant in a firm manner, the bearing including: an enveloping sheath arranged intracorporeally in the form of a flexible pleated bellows, which is proximally connected to the socket via a collar that is formed thereon in a sealing manner, in such a way that a hollow space with a minimum breadth s remains free between the inner walling of the pleated bellows and the outer walling of the socket; a flexible grid network is arranged distally at the pleated bellows; and an additional grid network adjoins the flexible grid network on the distal side, wherein the additional grid network has a higher modulus of elasticity in comparison to that of the flexible grid network.

Abstract: Prosthetic liner formed of a molded silicone elastomer material including an inner wall, a circular outer wall having radii of curvature centered along a first longitudinal axis of external symmetry extending longitudinally centrally within the liner, the inner wall including a circular curved inside anterior wall portion extending along a liner length and having first radii of curvature centered on a second longitudinal axis of anterior curvature extending longitudinally along the liner length and a circular curved inside posterior wall portion having a second radii of curvature centered on a third longitudinal axis of posterior curvature extending along said liner length.

Abstract: A bandage which may be used for the forearm or as an upper arm triple traction bandage includes a bandage strap (3) that engages a ring (2) to form a loop. At least one elastic bandage strap (4) engages the ring (2) and encloses a cable (6) which at one end is secured to the ring (2) and has a fastening device at its other end (4a). The fastening device is formed by a strap connector (11, 12, 13) having a flat lower part (11) which is adapted to the strap width. The upper side is covered by a flat upper part (12) onto which a clamp slide (13) is pushed that engages under the lower part (11) and firmly presses the lower part and upper part together with the strap end (4a) lying between them. The strap connector (11, 12, 13) has a clamp-free cable passage (14, 15, 16) and a bracket (19) for securing the strap connector (11, 12, 13) to a prosthesis part.

Abstract: A subcutaneous, intramuscular support (1) is provided for a rigid transcutaneous implant (2), which can be anchored intracorporeally in a bone stump. The support has an intermediate piece (3) between the part of the implant (2) to be intracorporeally anchored and an extracorporeal coupling device (4) that can be coupled to it. A rigid bushing (5) is firmly connected with the intermediate piece (3), such that an annulus (6) is formed between the wall of the bushing (5) and the intermediate piece (3), the annulus being closed in the intracorporeal direction, and into which annulus the extracorporeal coupling device can be inserted. A tube (7) made of a flexible material is applied to the outer wall of the bushing (5), and a metallic wool (8) is applied to the flexible tube (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a thigh stump endoprosthesis for an exoprosthetic treatment of a patient whose leg has been amputated in the thigh area, whereby the thigh stump can be pulled into a shaft to which the replica of a lower leg part and foot part of the prosthesis is attached. The inventive prosthesis includes a proximal shaft part which can be inserted inside a femur stump, whereby the shaft part is at least partially covered by an open-mesh three-dimensional spatial network structure, and includes a conical adapter on the distal end thereof. A condyle replacement which re-creates the shape of natural condyles of a knee joint can be coupled to the shaft part by means of said adapter. A cuneiform support can be joined to the condyle replacement with a wedge angle &agr; which restores the valgity of the leg.

Abstract: A composite elastic material useful for prosthetic applications is constituted of at least one cured silicone elastomer layer containing silicone oil and hollow microspheres dispersed throughout the elastomer layer. An elasticized fabric layer may be intimately bonded to one side of the silicone elastomer layer and the composite elastic material may be incorporated in various prosthetic appliances, including suction liners and sealing sleeves. When used in a suction liner, the composite elastic material may be molded to provide a thicker anterior wall and a thinner posterior wall with a smooth transition between the anterior and posterior walls. The composite elastic material covered with an elasticized fabric may be used as a sealing sleeve between a prosthetic device and a residual limb. The composite elastic material may contain one or more skin treating agents blended into the silicone elastomer.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: A prosthetic attachment locking device includes a body and a releasing mechanism. The body has an axial hole that extends from a first surface to an opposing second surface. The body has a first side with a pawl receiving recess that communicates with the axial hole. The releasing mechanism has a central axle with a pawl that is received in the pawl receiving recess. The central axle has a clutch bearing that rotates the pawl in a first direction when an attachment pin is inserted into the axial hole and engages the pawl. The clutch bearing secures the attachment pin in the body and is reversible such that an attachment pin can be inserted from the first surface or the second surface of the body. Because the prosthetic attachment locking device is reversible, the releasing mechanism can be positioned to project toward an interior of a residual limb whether used on a right-side residual limb or a left-side residual limb.

Abstract: A transcutaneous implant constitutes proximal partially external section; a collar section, integrally dependent from the external section, the collar section having a microtextured surface constituting a microgeometric, repetitive surface pattern, in a form of multiplicity of alternating ridges and grooves, each having an established width in a range of about 2 to about 25 microns, and an established depth in a like range; an anchor-like distal section, integrally dependent from the collar section, for implantation into a bone segment to be stabilized during a medically advantageous period of time. The surface pattern defines a guide at tissue, cellular and molecular levels for a preferential promotion of rate, orientation and direction of growth of colonies of cells which are in contact with the pattern.

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: Percutaneous skin access devices include a plurality of locked connecting units mounted to the exterior surface of an implantable medical object which, in position, is configured to penetrate the skin of a subject. The locked connecting units may be mounted directly onto the desired surface of the exterior of the device or may be held on a substrate sheet, which is mounted to the exterior surface of the device. In position, the locked connecting units engage with soft tissue which can include the skin to form a bio-junction layer which includes mechanical and bio-sealing connection between the device body and the soft tissue. The configuration at the bio-junction layer secures the medical object in location in the subject even for long-term indwelling applications in a manner, which inhibits soft tissue infection.

Abstract: A suspension aid for appending an above-knee prosthesis to a human body. The suspension aid is integrally formed of a resilient fabric having a warp knit leno, or equivalent, construction. The belt portion of the suspension aid extends substantially horizontally around the intertrochanteric region of the pelvis.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis is disclosed comprising a first component (1) shaped for implantation into a bone (2), a second component (4) intended for location between the bone (2) and the skin, and a third component (5) intended for location exterior to the skin surface, having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion. The second component (4) may carry an adhesion-promoting protein.

Abstract: An orthotic or prosthetic sleeve includes at least two elasticized fabric elements having different elastic stiffnesses in orthogonal directions connected together to form a tubular sleeve such that the direction of higher stiffness of one fabric element extends parallel with the sleeve axis and the direction of higher stiffness of the other element extends generally transversely of the sleeve axis. A three piece tubular sleeve may be arranged so that the middle section has a direction of higher stiffness extending transversely of the sleeve axis, with the end sections having the higher stiffness direction extending parallel with the sleeve axis.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the residual limb. Optionally, the wearer may use a liner over the residual limb for comfort. A vacuum source is connected to a vacuum valve connected to the cavity to suspend the artificial limb from the residual limb and to control and minimize volumetric and fluid changes within the residual limb. A liner for a hypobarically-controlled socket for an artificial limb, with: a) an inner layer contacting the residual limb; b) an outer fabric layer engaging the inner layer; and c) an annual seal extending outwardly from the outer fabric layer and sealingly engaging the suspension sleeve, thereby making a seal between the residual limb and the socket to minimize air leakage into the cavity.

Abstract: Described are artificial limbs, and anatomic braces containing superelastic supports capable of restoring motion to replaced or nonfunctional appendages. The artificial limbs are intended to replace or restore motion to the foot, the leg below the knee, the leg extending above the knee, the hand, the arm below the elbow, the arm extending above the elbow, the arm including the shoulder, or other appendage commonly associated with a degree of twisting, rotation, bending, or other desired motion. The artificial limbs and braces also provide motion assistance and/or intensify the force during motion of replaced or nonfunctional appendages. In particular, the artificial limbs and braces aid in standing, walking, running, bending, throwing, kicking, jumping, hitting, or other strenuous activity by inducing a directional force upon deflection. The artificial limbs and braces alternatively apply a specific resistance at the joint to gradually restore motion to the appendage during training or rehabilitation.

Abstract: Improved prosthetic components and a method for assembly therefor are described wherein the prosthesis comprises prefabricated modular components including a socket adapter, shank or pylon, a keel, and a foot. The method for preparation of the improved prosthesis reduces the time required for prosthesis preparation over that of the prior art, and includes the steps of making a cast of the remaining leg stump and forming a socket therefor; placing the socket in an alignment jig; assembling modular pieces including a prefabricated keel, pylon, and socket adapter; attaching the socket adapter to the socket; draping a final coating of copolymer on the prosthesis; and removing the pylon and socket adapter from the interior of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use with lower limb injuries, the device having a lower limb supporting platform and stabilizing brackets adjustably mounted on an upright leg member that is designed for efficient transfer of a user's weight through the hip, the upper leg and the knee to a foot disposed at the end of the leg member. The device allows the user to mimic a natural walking alignment preferably while maintaining the use of the arms and hands.

Abstract: The invention relates to an upper leg stump endoprosthesis for an exoprosthetic provision of a patient having undergone above-knee amputation. According to the invention, the upper leg stump can be inserted into a shank to which a below-knee prosthesis with a foot part is fitted. The inventive prosthesis includes a proximal shaft which is implantable in a truncated femur; an open-mesh, three-dimensional netting structure covering at least partially the proximal shaft; an adapter connected to a distal end of the proximal shaft; and a substitute condyle element, constituting a replica of a natural condyle of a knee joint, and linked to said shaft by said adapter.

Abstract: A method of making artificial bone comprises providing a membrane of collagen with solutions of calcium ions and of phosphate ions on opposite sides of the membrane. The calcium ions and phosphate ions diffuse through the membrane and precipitate as a hydroxyapatite material. Control of ionic concentrations ensures that precipitation takes place within the fibrils of the membrane. The result is an artificial bone material comprising a matrix of collagen and a hydroxyapatite material deposited within the matrix.

Abstract: A leg exoprosthesis for adaptation to a thigh stump (1) has an adapter (2) for a knee joint (3), a knee joint (3) mounted thereon, and a lower leg prosthesis (4) coupled to it. On the lower leg prosthesis (4) a force-transmitting element (5) is coupled into which extending forces are introduced.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a socket adapted to receive an amputee's limb is provided. A sleeve is adapted to overlap the juncture between the socket and the amputee's limb. The sleeve includes an air outlet valve to permit air to escape when the amputee's limb is inserted into the sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve is a resilient air-permeable member that creates a partial vacuum between the limb and the socket to securely retain the prosthetic device to the amputee's limb. The sleeve and valve arrangement of the present invention permits an amputee to comfortably and effectively wear a prosthetic device.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A liner with a volume less than the residual limb is donned over the residual limb, with the liner tensioned into a total contact relationship with the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the liner. A vacuum source is connected to the socket cavity thereby drawing the residual limb and liner into firm and total contact with the socket. To compensate for some air leakage past the seal, there is a mechanism to maintain the vacuum in the cavity. An osmotic membrane encases the residual limb and creates a space between the residual limb and the liner. The osmotic membrane allows passage of water only in one direction: from the residual limb toward the liner. Vacuum may be applied to the space between the osmotic membrane and the liner to assist in wicking perspiration away from the residual limb.

Abstract: A hypobarically-controlled artificial limb for amputees includes a single socket with a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb. A liner with a volume less than the residual limb is donned over the residual limb, with the liner tensioned into a total contact relationship with the residual limb. A sealed cavity is formed between the socket and the liner. A vacuum source is connected to the socket cavity thereby drawing the residual limb and liner into firm and total contact with the socket. To compensate for some air leakage past the seal, there is a mechanism to maintain the vacuum in the cavity.

Abstract: A flexible urethane suspension sleeve for use in attaching a below the knee prosthesis to the remaining portion of the patient's limb. The sleeve has a generally tubular shape and includes a preflexed portion. A reinforced intermediate portion provides for abrasion resistance in the portion of the sleeve covering the socket "ears" and is disposed intermediate first and second reinforced end portions having different elasticities. A pair of non-compressive portions are disposed intermediate the reinforced intermediate portion and the reinforced end portions and provide for a non-compressive suction adhesion to the thigh of the user and the prosthesis.

Abstract: Improved orthopaedic supports (10) and prosthesis suspension devices (36) are provided in the form of tubular bodies (12, 42) formed of resilient, stretchable material and configured to fit about a human limb. The inner surfaces (32) of the tubular bodies (12, 42) have anti-slip material (24, 26, 50) applied thereto. The anti-slip material (24, 26, 50) is preferably a synthetic resin material having a coefficient of static friction greater than that of the inner surfaces (32).

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the joint area of a limb, in particular wherein the limb has undergone an amputation below the joint, for example a below-the-knee amputation of a leg. A generally tubular member, preferably fabricated from a resiliently stretchable material is provided. The tubular member may have both ends open, or a lower end may be closed. At one or more of the ends, an cuff is provided. The protector apparatus is configured to have a progressively variable capacity for resilient stretching, which capacity varies along the length of the apparatus.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use in rehabilitating a patient after a limb reduction surgery, allows the patient to begin learning to walk with a bendable knee joint that is typically used with a more permanent, later provided prosthetic. The inventive prosthetic device includes an adjustable first portion that is secured about a portion of the amputated limb and a second portion that provides axial and radial clearance between the terminal end of the amputated limb and the interior of the prosthetic sleeve. The second portion of the prosthetic sleeve also includes a radially defined opening that assists a patient or medical personnel in observing the terminal end of the amputated limb during the post-operative healing process.

Abstract: An elastomeric sleeve, for retaining and attaching a prosthesis to a stump of an amputee. Typically, the sleeve is made of polyurethane, soft elastomer reinforced with a nylon or polyurethane mesh. This reinforcement, among other things, eliminates the possibility of support failure caused by a small tear or cut. The polyurethane elastomer is selected to have a resilience, load bearing capability and energy and impact absorption similar or close to that of the enclosed limb adjacent to the sleeve to reduce pressure points. The elastomer is also selected to be able to stretch up to 700% to 1,600% an original dimension but return to within five percent or less of the original dimension. These stretch characteristics are modified by a special mesh pattern, which permits a greater amount of stretch around the limb circumferentially than along the limb.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis comprised of a single monolithic elongated composite member having a semi-flexible shank strut section, an ankle section, a forefoot section, and a toe section. One end of the shank strut section is connected to a socket which is adapted to receive an amputated leg stump. The other end smoothly curves downwardly, or downwardly and rearwardly, before curving forwardly of the shank strut section to the toe section. The invention is specially designed to accommodate lower limb amputee athletes participating in field and track events.

Abstract: A visco-elastic polymer liner and sleeve for prosthetic devices utilize the liner for donning over a residual limb and fitting within the socket of an artificial limb. The sleeve is rolled on over the top of the artificial limb and onto the amputee's remaining stump. The liner is shaped to have its cavity formed with a volume and shape less than a volume and shape of the residual limb for both tension and tissue configuration relief while the liner has an outer surface formed with a volume and shape greater than the volume and shape of the artificial limb socket for relief of certain tissue configurations and to create weight bearing, relief and compression areas on and in the liner to absorb and dissipate shock, shear and mechanical forces through the liner otherwise transmitted to the residual limb. The sleeve is shaped like a tube.

Abstract: A visco-elastic polymer liner and sleeve for prosthetic devices utilize the liner for donning over a residual limb and fitting within the socket of an artificial limb. The sleeve is rolled on over the top of the artificial limb and onto the amputee's remaining stump. The liner is shaped to have its cavity formed with a volume and shape less than a volume and shape of the residual limb for both tension and tissue configuration relief while the liner has an outer surface formed with a volume and shape greater than the volume and shape of the artificial limb socket for relief of certain tissue configurations and to create weight bearing, relief and compression areas on and in the liner to absorb and dissipate shock, shear and mechanical forces through the liner otherwise transmitted to the residual limb. The sleeve is shaped like a tube.

Abstract: An improved support garment for therapeutic compression of a swollen limb. An elastic sock includes a lengthwise slit intermediate the top and bottom, an inelastic pouch bridging the slit for slidably receiving a flat compliant plastic insert, and a slide fastener for opening and closing the slit. Sufficient slack in the pouch allows the fastener to close with the insert in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making prosthetic socket preforms, a method for making prosthetic sockets, and a socket attachment component are disclosed. The method of making preforms of the present invention involves the blowmolding of memory plastics with a cooling step prior to parison expansion to enhance the molded-in stresses of the resulting preform. The blowmolding apparatus of the present invention comprises two mold halves having specially designed knifing sections and a modified blow pin. The method for making prosthetic sockets involves heat- and vacuum-forming memory plastic preforms over a positive cast of a residual limb after preheating of the cast to prevent heat-sinking. The socket attachment component disclosed is adapted for molding with a prosthetic socket during heat- and vacuum-forming, is configured to receive a sleeve attachment shaft, and possesses an integral male member for attaching the component and socket to an artificial limb shaft using bolts or screws.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as a temporary substitute for a leg that is injured below the knee includes a shelf for supporting the lower leg in a nonweight-bearing position and for supporting the knee in a weight-bearing position. A foldable strut extends below the shelf for supporting a person's weight while standing or walking, and it can be folded to a position adjacent the shelf and lower leg when the person is sitting. A pivotal hinge for connecting the strut to the shelf is skewed in relation to the shelf to position the strut inside the person's lower leg and foot when folded, so it can be used to bear weight as the person rises from a sitting position to a standing position. A stabilizing frame extends upwardly form the shelf for anchoring the prosthetic device to the person's thigh and hip region. Another pivotal hinge connects the stabilizing frame to the shelf.

Abstract: A prosthesis for attachment with an adjustable fitting clearance to an amputation stump in which optionally, the fit therebetween can be diminished by connectors threadably engaged with each other one thread at a time, or the fit totally released by correspondingly releasing the threaded engagment of the connectors.

Abstract: A device that is pivotally mounted to a socket of a prosthesis has a top part that bears against the residual limb above a bone to suspend the socket from the limb. As the knee is bent, the device pivots about its pivot point and therefore remains in contact with the limb throughout the entire range of motion of the limb so that the socket does not come off. A convexity is formed in the top part of the device, and that convexity bears against the residual limb just above the medial femoral condyle. Another curvature in the top part allows it to at least partially extend around the medial part of the residual limb. The device is substantially rigid but flexible enough to allow it to conform itself to the contour of the residual limb so that the device will fit numerous individuals having differing bone structures. Use of the device eliminates the need to form the convexity into the socket itself.

Abstract: An inner conical recess fitting (1) which is connectable to the prosthesis and is intended for receiving a stump (17) of an amputated extremity can be fitted directly to the stump (17) without the aid of modeling in the following procedural steps: to mold the inner conical recess, a plastic which is shrinkable through the action of external influences, such as heat, is selected; a tube (14) which is made of this plastic and is open at at least one end and has a smaller diameter and a smaller length than the inner conical recess fitting (1) to be manufactured is extended and stretched, so that it has in every direction a greater dimension than the inner conical recess fitting (1) to be manufactured; and the widened and stretched molded piece (10) is placed on the stump (17) and is made to shrink through, e.g., application of heat at selected locations, until the fitting bears everywhere securely against the stump.

Abstract: A prosthesis sleeve for attaching a prosthesis to a partially amputated limb of the body which is made of an elastomeric material which may have a tube shape and having concentric annular ribbing on an inside surface of one end to engage the remaining portion of the limb, thereby creating a suction-type seal therebetween to suspend the prosthesis. Another end of the sleeve has a smooth inside surface which engages the prosthesis forming a seal therebetween. The combination of seals creates an air tight junction and secure attachment of the prosthesis to the limb for rigorous activity such as athletics for persons requiring prostheses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral elastic suspension sleeve for use with an artificial limb prosthetic device. Specifically, the invention is an integral flexible elastic support sleeve having two circular ends which encloses and securely grips the residual lower extremity portion of a human being who has had a below the knee (or below the elbow) amputation and also encloses and securely grips the top outer surface of the socket of a shin and foot (or forearm and hand) prosthetic device. The suspension sleeve has a smaller internal cylindrical-like panel which has a fabric surface having a low coefficient of friction. This fabric surface is in contact with the outer intersection line between the prosthetic device and the limb extremity of the human being. This sleeve is at between about 5.degree. and 45.degree. angle, and the described configuration results in improved mobility, decreased dermatological irritation to the wearer and enhances the longevity of the elastic suspension sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral flexible elastic support member for securely gripping an orthopedic device such as a cast on a leg or for attaching an artificial leg to the residual lower limb of a human being having at least one above the knee amputation. The supporting member includes an adjustable body encircling portion having free ends which have attachment means, for detachably connecting the free ends together, and at least one integrally formed flexible cylindrical elastic sleeve portion descending downwardly from the body encircling portion to grip and provide support for at least one artificial leg. Optionally, the orthopedic member additionally includes a V-shaped adductor panel on the surface of the device to assist in positioning and with control of forces. Optionally, the supporting member also includes an opening within the adductor panel region to assist in the management of the forces. VELCRO.RTM.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a prosthetic member (112) having personalized features of the patient, and being formed to provide an individualized fit to the patient's extremity (18). A rigid jacket (30, 32) is first formed around the uninsured foot (10) and the amputated extremity (18). The limb characteristics are impressed into an alginate (44) lining within the jackets (30, 32). A stone material poured into the alginate lining (44) forms stone models (48, 50) of the patient's limbs. A wax preliminary model (64) is scuplted in the likeness of the stone foot model (48) and used to form final stone mold halves (100, 102). The contour of the stone extremity model (50) is adjusted according to the tissue texture of the patient to provide an individualized fit. A gelatinous silicone is injected inside the final mold (100, 102) and allowed to form around the extremity model (50) to thereby provide the body of the prosthetic member (112) and the conformal sleeve (132 ).

Abstract: A prosthesis adapted to be formed and reformed to a model made of a person's body part, and comprised of a blank member of cured vinyl plastic or the like prepared for formation and reformation and to be softened to a plastic condition at raised temperature substantially below its previous curing temperature and brought into conformity with the model countours and permitted to return to room temperature for hardening, and thereafter stripped from the model for use.

Abstract: A support including cuff components for engaging body parts articulated to each other about a joint, arms attached to and extending from the cuff components and pivotably attached to each other remote from the cuff components and in substantial alignment with the joint, and tightening cables attached to the cuff components and arms for temporarily increasing the tightness with which the cuff components engage the body parts in response to movement of one body part relative to the other body part.

Abstract: A toe-articulated stilt is described wherein there are three support columns and eight hinges to allow a two piece foot support to control a two piece plate which contacts the ground. Natural feel and lightness allow the wearer to dance and do acrobatics on the toe-articulated stilt.