Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis for an above-knee amputee that includes a dynamically adjustable knee movement control unit arranged to control flexion and/or extension of a knee joint of the prosthesis automatically in response to a sensed step-to-step variability of at least one kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion in order to reduce the step-to-step variability.

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: The invention relates to an automated speed-adaptive and patient-adaptive control scheme and system for a knee prosthesis. The control scheme and system utilizes sensory information measured local to the prosthesis to automatically adjust stance and swing phase knee resistances to a particular wearer under a wide variety of locomotory activities. Advantageously, no patient-specific information needs to be pre-programmed into the prosthetic knee by a prosthetist or the patient. The system is able to adapt to various types of disturbances once the patient leaves the prosthetist's facility because it is patient-adaptive and speed-adaptive.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prosthesis which includes first and second members pivotally coupled together and two links which are pivotally coupled together with one link being pivotally coupled to the first member and the other link being pivotally coupled the second member. A control mechanism is provided which is pivotally coupled to the first member and the pivotal connection of the two links to move the two links and hence the second member relative to the first member. The first member may be coupled to a person to allow the prosthesis to serve in one embodiment as an arm or as a portion of an arm and in another embodiment to serve as a leg or as a portion of a leg.

Abstract: A hydraulic swing phase control unit for an artificial lower limb including a thigh part and a shin part connected at a knee joint, includes a hydraulic cylinder connected to one of the thigh part and the shin part, a piston movable in the hydraulic cylinder and connected to the other of the thigh part and the shin part, a fluid passage positioned to pass hydraulic fluid pressurized by movement of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder; and a variable sharp edged orifice at the fluid passage. The variable orifice is formed from a sharp edged orifice and a manually rotatable sleeve positioned to at least partly overlap the orifice. At least one low restriction fluid passage in the cylinder is fluidically connected in parallel with the variable sharp edged orifice to permit minimal resistance to movement of the piston during a portion of the movement thereof.

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: An exoprosthesis/orthosis for the human knee-joint comprised of an upper leg part (1) which can be connected to the human upper leg, and a lower leg part (2) which can be connected to the human lower leg. Both leg parts (1, 2) are connected at least via a joint which constructs a joint with two joint axes (MU, M0), i.e. a so-called dimeric joint chain, which are connected such that they carry out a forced movement. A polode (movement or rest polode) is assigned to each respective leg part (1, 2) with regard to the momentary joint axis of said leg parts, whereby curved teeth (5, 7) are constructed on the upper leg part (1) and on the lower leg part (2). The teeth interact similar to sprocket gearing in the movement functional area of the joint (3), whereby the curved teeth coincide with the polodes (t, f) of both leg parts (1, 2) in the movement functional area.

Abstract: An artificial leg capable of functioning as an “intelligent artificial leg” is and having a knee joint bearing member and stopper to which only a small moment is applied on the lower leg frame when the leg is standing or the knee is bent, and the lower leg frame has a uniform thickness and is lightweight yet with no loss of strength, and further the protuberances of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the the lower leg frame are small and, the empty space within the the lower leg frame has been widened. A rotating stopper 5 for standing, a rotating stopper 6 for bending the knee and a knee joint bearing member 4 are formed integrally within the the artificial leg and a knee joint bearing member 4 is embedded within said lower leg frame 1.

Abstract: An orthesis joint, in particular a knee joint for part of a leg, comprising a joint upper part (1) and a joint lower part (2), pivotably connected to the latter by means of a joint screw (3), as well as comprising a manually releasable wedge block (9, 10, 11, 12), the blocking wedge (9) of which, displaceably guided in the joint upper part (1), engages in its blocking position in an approximately radial direction--in relation to the joint screw (3)--into a blocking groove (10), provided on the joint lower part (2), and can be displaced out of this blocking position against the action of a spring (11) into an unlocking position, characterized in that the joint upper part (1) is divided in two in its plane perpendicular to the joint screw (3), into a basic body (4) and a cover (5) covering the latter at least partially, and in that the blocking wedge (9) is guided in mutually corresponding groove-shaped milled recesses (7, 8) in the mutually facing inner sides of the basic body (4) and cover (5).

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder control unit for gait control of a prosthetic limb which features two cylindrical tubes that are eccentric with respect to each other. The inner tube houses hydraulic fluid and the gap between the two tubes serves as a displacement chamber as a piston, mounted on a piston rod, moves through the fluid in the inner tube. When the outer tube is rotated about the inner tube, the gap between the tubes changes which either increases or decreases the flow allowed between the tubes. This changes the resistance which controls the rate of swing of an artificial limb. The resistance is easily adjustable by a simple rotation of the outer cylindrical tube. A floating sealed piston is additionally provided at the bottom of the inner tube. The sealed piston moves upwards or downwards depending on the balance of forces between the fluid force above the piston and the stored energy force below the sealed piston.

Abstract: A rotation damper for toggle joints prosthesis (1) that is arranged for swing phase control of the prosthesis, and incorporates a housing having at least one clamber (13) with a damping medium disposed therein is disclosed. The chamber is arranged so that the damping medium is displaced through a restriction (14a) with a swing motion of at least one pivot axle (6) in the prosthesis. The damping medium is a visco-elastic compound, having an ability to exert a bigger resistance at rapid motion processes as compared to slower processes.

Abstract: Paying attention to the mechanical play between the first and second support members for supporting opposite end portions of a knee axis and a brake block located between the support members, the present invention chiefly aims at removing the play in the direction of an axis of the knee axis in an effective and a reliable manner. In order to achieve this object, according to the present invention, a plurality of spacer members are inserted between each support member and the brake block such that the spacer members may slide on the mutual abutment surface. Each spacer member is of a ring type. The spacer members are fitted to and supported by the knee axis in a state that the spacer members are overlaid one upon another in the axial direction of the knee axis. In order to enhance the smooth sliding on the abutment surface, the spacer members are preferably made of resin material.

Abstract: A prosthesis for leg amputation at the knee joint or short distance above the knee is disclosed which includes an upper leg socket and artificial lower limb pivotally coupled together by a knee bracket attached to upper leg socket. The knee bracket is also pivotally coupled to a hydraulic unit carried by the lower limb. The knee bracket provides a hinge arrangement for the knee joint above the end of the amputee's leg stump by several inches thus providing a more natural looking and operating artificial limb.

Abstract: The present invention includes repelling magnetic fixtures implanted within opposing bones in an articulating joint to hold the bones apart during relative articulating movement of the bones in the joint.

Abstract: A device for damping of the turning movement of a joint such as an artificial knee joint is built into a bearing bridge of a joint. The joint can be a seven pivot point joint with a shaft of one of the pivot points being provided with a gear-wheel. The damping device includes a hydraulic cylinder with a piston connected to the gear-wheel. Channels with chokes and back valves connect the two sides of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder whereby adjustable damping in several steps can be achieved. A compact design for a joint and damping cylinder is achieved.

Abstract: A knee mechanism for a lower limb prosthesis which maintains knee stability over an initial range of flexion and includes an upper member for connection to or forming part of the thigh component of a prosthesis, a lower member for connection to or forming part of the shin component of a prosthesis, and a slider and a crank connecting the upper member to the lower member. The locus of the instantaneous center of rotation of the mechanism is a curve which commences above the knee and posterior to the load line and which, over an initial range of flexion of the mechanism, moves continuously downwards and to the posterior, the curve being convex towards the posterior. The lower member, the slider and the crank preferably constitute a slider crank mechanism with the crank pivotally connected to the upper and lower members and the slider pivotally connected to the lower member and slidably connected to the upper member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exoprosthesis for the human knee joint consisting of a thigh part (1) which can be connected to the human thigh as well as a lower leg part (6) which can be connected to the human lower leg or which can replace it. The lower leg part (6) and the thigh part (1) are connected through a four-bar arrangement which consists of two parallel arranged partial joints, specifically a medial joint (11) and a lateral joint (10) each of which has the joint geometry of a link chain with two articulated axles (M.sub.u, M.sub.o ; L.sub.o, L.sub.u) (dimer link chains). The joint geometry of the medial joint (11) is designed as an overlapping, dimer link chain in which the articulated axle M.sub.u of the lower leg part (6) is displaced in the direction towards the thigh part (1) with respect to the articulated axle M.sub.o of the thigh part (1) and the joint geometry of the lateral joint (10) is designed as an extended dimer chain in which the articulated axle L.sub.

Abstract: An improved four-bar knee joint mechanism for use in knee disarticulation prosthesis is shown, including a coupler link forming a negative angle with the horizontal when said knee joint mechanism is in its stance position, an anterior link, a fixed link in a horizontal position when said knee joint is in the extended or stance position, and a posterior link, the dimensions of the links and the angle the coupler link makes with the horizontal being chosen to optimize the instant center of the mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge joint or swivel coupling in orthopaedic sthesis and ortheses, with an upper joint component (1), a lower joint component (2) and, if applicable, interposed control arms (9, 10) (hereinafter designated collectively as "hinge joint members") and a control element (4), that effectively engages both sides of a hinge joint member (1; 1, 2) (hereinafter "articulated joint member") each via one hinge point (7, 8) distanced from a pivot (3; 20, 21; 25, 26). To effect an improvement, the invention proposes that at least one of the above-mentioned hinge points (7, 8) is kinematically connected to at least one other hinge joint member (2; 9, 10; 9) via a mechanical geared coupling (11, 12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17; 18, 24; 30, 31) and is arranged in such a way that it can change position in relation to its articulated joint member (1; 1, 2). FIG. 17.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee component for an above knee prosthesis having a frame member and a bracket member pivotally connected to the frame member, thereby creating a center of rotation for the knee component. The knee component further including a gait control unit pivotally positioned between the frame member and the bracket member by flanges extending from a rear portion of the bracket member. A flexion bumper is positioned through the frame member away from the center of rotation and is sufficiently compressible in a flexion phase of the knee component to provide controlled energy absorbing compliance under force exerted on the bumper by the rear flanges. The knee component further includes an optional running gait flexion limiter positioned on an interior surface of the frame member for limiting flexion and providing inertia to the lower leg component during a running gait.

Abstract: A polycentric variable axis hinge for use in an orthopedic knee brace to provide a mechanical joint between the femoral and tibial cuffs of the brace. The hinge includes a femoral stem which is attached to the femoral cuff and which extends downwardly from the femoral cuff, and it also includes a tibial stem attached to the tibial cuff which extends upwardly from the tibial cuff. The ends of the two stems overlap one another to provide a joint. The action is such that angular movement of the stems relative to one another causes them to slide and rotate relative to one another to replicate the actual movement of the knee joint of the user as the leg is bent and straightened. The femoral and tibial stems have a 30 degree angulated shape so as to displace the joint of the hinge two-thirds of the distance from the patella to the rear of the knee to cause the hinge precisely to simulate the anatomical femoral arc in the human knee.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a point F1 of a femur with respect to a point T1 of a tibia such that the distance between F1 and T1 is substantially invariant. The method uses a three-dimensional locating system including triplets of emitting elements especially including a pointer that can be located by the system, and includes the steps of linking a first triplet to the first organ; pointing with the pointer at the position of point T1 and locating this position with respect to the position of the first triplet; pointing with the pointer at the positions of an assembly of second points that are positioned within an area of the femur where the invariant point is likely to be found; calculating the distances separating point from each of points Fi; moving the tibia with respect to the femur add calculating the variations in the distances; and selecting point F1 for which the distance is invariant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mutual pivoting connection of parts of an orthopaedic apparatus, such as in particular a knee prosthesis for leg amputees, comprising a kinematic multiple linkage system with at least four rods, adjoining rods of which have a common pivot axis and the pivot axes extend substantially mutually parallel.

Abstract: An artificial knee having a dual flexion action during locomotion is disclosed. The knee comprises a femur part and a tibia part capable of rolling over each other in two different ways depending on whether or not the artificial leg is loaded. Pressure exerted on a cam surface of the femur part flattens the curvature of the cam surface, limiting the angle of rotation of the artificial knee when the knee is loaded. The parts are connected by elastic ties which are fixedly connected to the femur part and movably connected to the tibia part. When the knee is loaded, depending arms from the femur part contact the movable tibia connection and increase the elongation of the elastic ties, thereby additionally resisting rotation.

Abstract: An orthesis joint comprises a first support plate, a thigh attachment part hingedly connected to the first support plate through a first bearing bush, a lower leg attachment part hingedly connected to the first support plate through a second bearing bush, a connecting member hingedly connected with both attachment parts through a third and fourth bearing bush, respectively, and means for limiting the movement of the joint. It is desired to achieve a simple design for the limit means. To this end one of the attachment parts comes into engagement with the connecting member by a first and a second stop, respectively, and at least one of the stops is adjustable.

Abstract: A leg prothesis device for use as an upper leg prothesis permitting the wearer of the device to kneel thereupon comprising a first member adapted to support an upper leg prosthesis and a second member spaced from the first member adapted to support a lower leg portion connected to a foot prothesis. The first and second members are movable with respect to each other between a maximum leg angle of about 180.degree. and a minimum leg angle of about 20.degree.. A connecting member connecting the first and second members comprises three arm portions: (1) a curved portion pivotally connected at one distal end to the first member and defining a pivot axis between the first and second members; (2) a first linear portion that is integral with the curved portion; and (3) a second linear portion angularly connected to the first linear portion.

Abstract: An artificial knee-joint provided with linkage mechanisms, where a thigh part and a lower-leg part are mutually connected by tow base linkage arms, each of which is pivotally connected at respective ends with both the lower-leg part and the thigh part, wherein the pivotal attachment points of the lower-leg part are disposed in moveable attachment elements which mutually coact in a manner such that the knee-joint will automatically either adopt a substantially locked or a moveable position, depending on the direction of the load acting on the knee-joint. The first attachment element is pivotally connected to the two base linkage arms extending from the thigh part and has three pivot points, whereas the second attachment element has two pivot points. The back base linkage arm extending from the thigh part is pivotally connected to both attachment elements. The second attachment element is provided with a lock-stop device which limits movement of the attachment element.

Abstract: A robotic knee for mounting on an upper leg stump of an allows movement from a standing position to a normal walking position and then to a kneeling position and return to a standing position. A mounting plate receives the upper leg stump of an amputee. The knee includes a housing having a drive motor which can be rotated in one direction to bend the knee and then reversed to straighten the knee. The drive motor turns a worm gear which engages a main drive gear. A pair of extension pulleys is mounted on a main drive gear shaft attached to the main drive gear. A pair of extension cables is attached at a first end to the extension pulleys and wrapped thereon. A second end of the extension cables is attached to a front portion of a mounting plate. A pair of flexion pulleys is also attached to the main drive gear. A pair of flexion cables is attached at a first end to the flexion pulleys and wrapped thereon. A second end of the flexion cables is attached to a rear portion of the mounting plate.

Abstract: An orthopaedic or prosthetic joint comprising a linkage having a number of fixed-length links and a spring link of variable length, wherein there are five fixed-length links which are pivotally connected together in a geometric pattern such that the spring link acts to hold the joint in any one of a number of angles of flexion.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes an anterior linking and support member and a posterior linking and support member, formed of a resilient material, which act as cantilever flat springs to provide an intrinsic extension bias while furnishing the rigid structure necessary to support the axial loads and extension moments induced by the amputee. A prosthetic knee joint includes a base formed of a resilient polyamide such as nylon 6/6, from which an anterior linking and support member, generally of an L-shape, and a posterior linking and support member, monolithically extend upwards. Formed to provide the inherent stability of four-bar linkage, these resilient linking and support members are pivotally attached to a yoke member to act as cantilever single-leaf flat springs which provide an intrinsic extension moment to the prosthetic knee joint which may vary according to the amount of flexion of the knee joint.

Abstract: A prosthesis has a humeral member, rotating elbow member and forearm member. The prosthesis provides rotational and up and down vertical movement of the forearm with respect to the humeral member while being anatomically proportional with the amputee's sound arm.

Abstract: A teaching playback swing-phase-controlled above-knee prosthesis comprises a thigh frame, a leg frame, an air cylinder interconnecting the thigh and leg frames and provided with adjusting means for adjusting the degree of opening the valve of the air cylinder to a plurality of degrees respectively for a plurality of walking speeds selected during trial walking, a mode selecting switch having positions respectively for setting degrees of opening of the valve of the air cylinder in a teaching mode and for a playback mode in which one of the degrees of opening is selected according to an actual walking speed, an opening detector for detecting the degree of opening of the valve of the air cylinder, an opening storage device for storing a plurality of set degreess of opening of the valve of the air cylinder, a phase detector for detecing swing phases and stance phases, walking speed detector for detecting an actual walking speed, and control unit for adjusting the degree of opening of the valve of the air cylinder

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis assembly is provided for immediate post-operative applications which includes a weight-bearing prosthetic device in conjunction with a removable, size-adjustable rigid dressing for placement around a patient's amputation stump. The weight-bearing prosthetic device includes a foot-ankle assembly attached to an adjustable endoskeletal shank having adjustment means, medial and lateral uprights extending upwardly from the endoskeletal shank, and an open ended quadrilateral thigh socket attached to and located between the medial and lateral uprights. The thigh socket includes a proximal ischial weight-bearing shelf for supporting the patient without contacting the open wound of the amputation stump. The rigid dressing includes a substantially stump-shaped rigid cast portion for placement around the stump which is open-ended at the top and shaped to enclose and secure around the stump at its bottom to apply mild compression for suppressing edema of the stump.

Abstract: A damped knee joint may be locked myoelectrically at any angle of flexing. A special hydraulic cylinder is pivoted above the knee center at one end and in the shank at the other end. This attachment strategy allows 110 degrees of knee flexion, permitting the normal range of sitting and standing positions. The cylinder assembly incorporates a closed loop, sealed hydraulic system and electro-mechanical valving to control piston position. The closed loop hydraulic system also prevents fluid leakage and contamination. Valving is accomplished by a microelectrically operated barrel or gate valve located in a hydraulic system. The use of a barrel or gate valve allows the microelectrically operated plunger to be physically isolated from the working fluid and to be operated reliably at the highest working pressure of the systems.

Abstract: Each member of an artificial joint comprises a toothed sector pivoting about a pin. These toothed sectors are in engagement with one another and are mounted between two parallel side plates separated by two spacers. Openings passing through these side plates are angularly distributed about each axis of pivoting and are adapted to selectively receive stops formed by pins which delimit the sectors of freedom of the members about the axes of pivoting. Each of these stops is associated with an apertured tongue which extends perpendicular to the axis of the pin and permits bolting the stop to the center of pivoting of its member.

Abstract: A releasable controlled-motion ankle-foot orthosis includes an elongated shell adapted for releasable attachment to the lower leg above the ankle joint, a foot support adapted for releasable attachment to the foot, and lateral and medial controlled-motion ankle joint assemblies attached to the shell and to the foot support in alignment with the axis of rotation through the ankle joint. Each ankle joint assembly includes a rigid support plate affixed at one end to the shell, extending across the ankle joint, and affixed at the other end to the foot support. Sets of cam members in matching pairs are used interchangeably for controlling range of motion in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Each individualy selectable cam member is rotatably mounted to the support plate for contact with a stop on the support plate to control angular motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a knee support device which enables a knee brace to track closely the movement of the tibia. In use, a complete knee brace comprises two of the knee support devices of this invention, one on each side of the leg. The knee support device comprises an upper and a lower elongated brace member releasably secured to a person's thigh and leg, respectively. Each of the two brace members includes pivot means and gear means, such that the gear means of the two brace members engage each other to rotate each brace member about the pivot means of the corresponding member. The upper and lower brace members on each side of the leg are connected by a link member connecting the pivot means of the two braces. The means for securing the brace members to the leg are placed such that the pivots are anterior to the knee joint, so that the rotation of the lower brace member tracks the tibia in flexion when the person and the brace members are viewed in profile.

Abstract: A knee brace is provided with support members that are securely fastened to the thigh and calf of the wearer. A pair of rigid arms, which are pivotally connected together are mounted on the support members on opposite sides of the knee joint, such that the support members after being attached to the leg can be spread apart with respect to the rigid arms.

Abstract: A knee brace for preventing abnormal anterior or posterior movement, and abnormal internal or external rotations, of the tibia relative to the femur includes a femoral cuff adapted for attachment to the thigh, a tibial cuff adapted for attachment to the calf and a pair of linkage assemblies interconnecting the cuffs. Each linkage assembly comprises a pair of link elements pivotally connected to one another, one of which is mounted to the femoral cuff and the other of which is slidable relative to the tibial cuff along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tibia of the leg of a patient to prevent forces from being applied to the knee by the brace except in the anterior-posterior direction. The location of the hinge axis of the brace is adjustable relative to the flexion axis of the knee to impose an anterior or posterior force of variable magnitude on the tibia depending upon the ligament injury or deficiency.

Abstract: This invention comprises a knee brace for controlling knee instability and minimizing risk of injury to the knee in all types of sports. The mechanical hinge has the same kinematics as the human knee, allowing the knee brace to conform to the upper and lower leg throughout its range of motion. The knee brace includes a femoral brace and a tibial brace joined by unique variable axis hinges wherein arcuate slots are formed in each link with respective followers disposed on opposing links to provide rotation and slide movement between the femur and tibia resulting in the same path of the center rotation as the human knee. The femoral brace is conformed to the upper leg to provide maximum stability and protection. The tibial brace is conformed to the tibia tubercle, just below the patella and frontal area of the tibia, to provide maximum stability and protection therefor.

Abstract: A derotation wrist brace providing a volar reduction force and allowing early movement of the radiocarpal joint is provided. A first pair of struts are attached to a forearm support member at their first ends. The second ends of the first struts are attached to a first rotation plate. A second pair of struts are attached to a hand support member at their first ends. The second ends of the second struts are attached to a second rotation plate. The first rotation plates and the second rotation plates are coaxially mounted on a pair of shafts.

Abstract: An orthopedic and orthotic bipivotal hinge assembly having a hinge body and a pair of coplanar and independently-pivotal hinge arms. The proximal end portions of the hinge arms are disposed within the hinge body and have at least one set of interdigitating end plates defining an arrangement of abutment surfaces that are coplanar with each other, face generally in the same direction, and are disposed in side-by-side relation, when the arms are in first positions of adjustment (e.g., extension). In one embodiment, a single set of interdigitating plates with one such arrangement of abutment surfaces is provided; in a second embodiment two sets of interdigitating plates with two arrangements of abutment surfaces for controlling both extension and flexion are provided. Continuously variable extension and/or flexion control is achieved by an adjusting screw, or a pair of adjusting screws, carried by the hinge body.

Abstract: A universal modular frame for use as a component in an above-knee endoskeletal prosthesis comprises a one-piece rigid outer frame of closed configuration having an upper sleeve extending between lateral and medial sides of the frame and adapted for connection to a linkage and socket for an above knee amputation, rigid lateral and medial side arms rigidly affixed to and extending downwardly from the sleeve, the lateral and medial side arms having recessed lightening recesses therein for reducing the weight of the frame, and a lower base extending between and rigidly affixed to bottom portions of the lateral and medial side arms. The outer frame forms the perimeter of an open central region for mounting a knee motion and gait control unit. The lower base has a flat bottom face and a pattern of spaced apart holes extending through the lower base for use in receiving corresponding fastening means for rigidly but releasably affixing an upper connecting portion of a lower leg pylon to the bottom of the outer frame.

Abstract: A surgeon-assemblable asymmetric tibial prosthesis with a snap-in tibial insert for surface replacement of the proximal tibia. The tibial prosthesis, consisting of two parts, a baseplate and a right or left knee specific insert, is used in conjunction with prosthetic femoral and patellar components. Asymmetry is created by having the radius which describes the medial condyle slightly greater, preferably 1/8", than the radius describing the lateral surface. The baseplate exhibits symmetry about an anterior/posterior centerline, allowing it to be used on right or left proximal tibias by rotation of the component 180.degree. about the centerline. The insert is contoured to provide an anatomically correct surface which articulates with the condyles of the femoral prosthesis. The anatomic fit contributes to normal range of motion since there is less chance of lateral overhang to cause soft tissue impingement. The increased cortical rim contact permits direct load transfer to the stronger cortical bone.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a knee joint is disclosed specifically adapted for use in atheletic, i.e. sports, applications. The brace is formed by a pair of frame members disposed on opposite sides of the knee joint which are pivotally connected adjacent one end by way of ratio-swing hinge members. Each of the frame members are pivotally connected via a flapper hinge adjacent their opposite end to a support cuff/pad adapted to be affixed to the user's leg adjacent the tibia and femur, respectively. The lateral position of the flapper hinges may be adjusted to accommodate for bowlegged or knock-kneed conditions of the user. Means are additionally provided between the tibia cuff and its respective frame member to allow plane adjustment between the tibia and femur of the user. The femur frame member is formed to include a convex-shaped portion specifically sized to extend over the attachment point of the vastas medialas muscle and thereby readily accommodate differing users.

Abstract: An improved knee prosthesis of the four bar kind employing modified geometry of its links permitting the available degree of flexion to be increased to 143.degree.. A resilient leaf spring provides for extension bias at low angles of flexion, and biases the joint towards its fully flexed position at high angles of flexion. An improved lock for the joint is also provided.

Abstract: A knee orthosis is disclosed providing forces approximating the forces exerted by predetermined knee ligaments; and which further protects against hyperextension, more specifically, the knee orthosis of the present invention provides a hinge having three members extending from a central portion, two extending upwardly and attached to the leg above the knee and one member extending downwardly and attached to the leg below the knee. During the last 15.degree. to 45.degree. of extension, the hinge, through these three members, exerts an increasing force to the anterior of the tibia proximate to the knee, so that during these critical angles of rotation the tibia may be maintained in its proper position with respect to the femur.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit adapted to constitute a damper for movements in a human joint prosthesis has a boot sealingly connected to the cylinder and the piston rod to receive the hydraulic fluid under pressure as the hydraulic fluid is displaced from one or the other of two cylinder chambers upon displacement of the piston rod. The boot has a conically widening region or segment sealingly secured to the rod and adjoining the cylindrical segment of the boot surrounding the cylinder in a transition segment formed as an outwardly convex bulge and designed to ensure that initial inward movement of the piston rod will give rise to a plate membrane deformation of the elastic boot while only further displacement will result in a rolling action of the membrane. This ensures a generally cylindrical uniform configuration of the boot in all positions of the rod as is essential for effective use in a prosthesis.

Abstract: An articulated mechanical joint for use in knee apparatuses such as knee braces allowing extension and flexion of the wearers' knees to which the braces are applied, artificial articulated knees of leg prostheses, and the like, comprises a pair of elongated femoral and tibial links edgedly facing each other at one end and a pair of cheek plates one on each side over the links. Each cheek plate is pivotally connected to both links up their edgedly facing ends, one plate independently of the other so that each end of each link has two pivots connecting to the two plates. The pivot axes of the different pivots are so positioned that the rotation axis of the pivotally connected links is so shifted as to reproduce accurately the complex rotation of the knee. Moreover, because of the strengthening cheek plates, the mechanical joint provides a better resistance to sidewise motion of the tibia and femur of the leg.

Abstract: An anatomic fracture brace mechanism for knee braces to provide lateral restraint and delimited supportive motion of the knee joint permitting weight bearing ambulation of the patient during healing of leg fractures or other traumas, a fracture brace being constructed with a brace mechanism utilizing an asymmetrical four-bar, cross-linkage to follow, as closely as mechanically practical, the polycentric motion of the human knee.