Abstract: An implant for use in ankle arthroplasty is provided. The implant includes a first member for cooperation with the tibia and a second member for cooperation with the talus. The second member is operably associated with the first member. The implant also includes a third member rigidly removably connectable to the second member. The third member includes a portion of the third member for attachment to the calcaneus. The third member is adapted to provide for a first position in the calcaneus when the third member is in a first relative position with respect to the second member and is adapted to provide for a second position in the calcaneus when the third member is in a second relative position with respect to the second member.

Abstract: A method for implanting a malleolar implant in an ankle joint. A spacer block is positioned between a lower portion of a tibia and an upper portion of an astragalus in the ankle joint. A guide attached to the spacer block is positioned opposite an outer surface of a fibular malleolus. A bore aligned with the guide is formed through the fibular malleolus. The spacer block is removed from between the tibia and the astragalus. A shank of the malleolar implant is engaged with the bore from an inner surface of the fibular malleolus. The shank is advanced into the bore so an inner surface of a head of the malleolar implant engages the inner surface of the fibular malleolus.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present description relates to a prosthetic articulating ankle joint. The ankle joint may include a horseshoe shaped component. The horseshoe shaped component may include an anterior gap to allow dorsiflexion, a posterior portion, at least one lateral indentation in the posterior portion to allow eversion or inversion, at least one orifice in a top to allow attachment to a pylon, and at least one orifice in a bottom to allow attachment to a foot. Other embodiments in the description relate to a prosthetic limb including such an ankle joint and a foot and a pylon. In some embodiments, the horseshoe shaped component may be C-shaped. The disclosure also relates to methods for making a prosthetic articulating ankle joint and methods to make a prosthetic limb comprising a prosthetic articulating ankle joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot with an adjustable ankle includes an upper portion coupled to a socket of an amputee. A lower portion is adjustably coupled to the upper portion, and is attached to a foot member with heel and toe sections. A movable coupling is disposed between the upper and lower portions, and includes a displacement member slidably coupled to a displacement track. The movable coupling allows the toe section to pivot downward and the heel section to simultaneously displace forward. The adjustable ankle can be adjusted with a motor coupled to a tractor bolt coupled between the upper and lower portions. A level sensor can sense the orientation of the upper portion and send a signal to operate the motor to vertically orient the upper portion or level the foot.

Abstract: A self-aligning prosthetic foot and ankle assembly has an ankle unit pivotally mounting a foot component. The ankle unit contains a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly having a piston which is linearly movable within a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is coincident with a shin axis defined by a shin connection interface on the ankle unit. Bypass passages containing damping resistance control valves provide continuous hydraulic damping of dorsi and plantar ankle flexion, the unit being such that, over the major part of the range of damped movement, there is no resilient biasing in either the dorsi or the plantar direction. This confers a number of advantages, including stabilisation of standing, balance control, and improved stair-walking and ramp-walking.

Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user.

Abstract: In a prosthetic leg installed with a hydraulic cylinder for adjusting bending and extension resistance of a knee joint portion, a buffer device is provided between a lower leg portion and a foot portion below the knee joint portion for displacing movably in opposite directions when the toe and the heel of the foot portion contact the ground, respectively. An extension passage and a bending passage are provided in the hydraulic cylinder, a toe grounding closing valve is provided in the bending passage, and a heel grounding closing valve is provided in the bending passage. The toe grounding closing valve and the heel grounding closing valve are connected in an interlocking manner by a closing valve connecting/operating member such that valve open/close orientations thereof are set in opposite directions.

Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle assembly including an astragalar component with an upper articular surface that forms part of an ankle joint prosthesis and a lower surface with a shape adapted to engage an upper face of an astragalus. An astragalocalcanean rod is positioned in an astragalocalcanean channel extending from the lower face of the calcaneus to the upper surface of the astragalus. A first end of the astragalocalcanean rod is engage with the lower surface of the astragalar component and a second end of the astragalocalcanean rod is engaged with a lower region of the calcaneus. A distance between the second end of the astragalocalcanean rod is adjustable relative to the lower surface of the astragalar component to adjustably compress the calcaneus against the astragalus.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (147) has a longitudinally extending foot keel (149) and a resilient, monolithically formed calf shank (148) extending upwardly from the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot and a lower, prosthetic part of a leg above the ankle joint area for connection with a lower extremity prosthetic socket on a person's leg stump. At least the lower portion of the calf shank extending upwardly from the foot keel is anterior facing convexly curved. The shank and at least a portion of the foot keel are monolithically formed.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: An orthopaedic aid for an extremity includes at least one adjustable element for positioning the orthopaedic aid relative to the extremity. The detector arrangement includes a plurality of indicators for indicating torques generated by the detector arrangement. The detector arrangement is positionable such that a section of the detector arrangement is torque-free. The detector arrangement generates torques arising in two opposite directions in a measuring plane in response to deviations from a stable load position.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint system for users comprising a housing having an interior cavity, a center axis in said interior cavity, and an attachment means for fixedly connecting said housing to said user; an inner cylinder disposed in said housing interior cavity wherein said inner cylinder rotates around said center axis of said housing; an appendage attached to said inner cylinder; a sensor system attached to said appendage; and a dampening system, having a power source, in communication with said sensor system, said inner cylinder, and said housing for controlling dampening of the rotation of said inner cylinder around said center axis of said housing.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: An orthopedic device that includes an ankle arthrodesis nail having a bend, and a surgical implant kit for use in ankle arthrodesis in patients who suffer from severe bone defects in their ankles is provided. The invention further relates to a method of establishing ankle arthrodesis in a subject using an arthrodesis nail having a bend.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. In one embodiment, a prosthetic foot connection component is connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component only by means of an elastomeric material, thereby allowing for multi-axis movement of the ankle without requiring direct contact between the two components. In other embodiments of the ankle, a prosthetic foot connection component may be mechanically connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component. However, the design of the mechanical connection and the use of an elastomeric material casing allows for movement of the ankle without surface-to-surface sliding contact between the two components. Compression of the elastomeric material, as well as one or more mechanical stops may be used to control and limit movement of the ankle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic foot that provides both energy storage capabilities and stability. The prosthetic foot of the present invention provides medial-lateral rotation as compared to the slight tilting or rocking in the medial-lateral plane of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the prosthetic foot of the present invention provides a true hinge in the ankle joint region that may be adapted so that the degree of rotation is controlled.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot with an adjustable ankle includes an upper portion coupled to a socket of an amputee. A lower portion is adjustably coupled to the upper portion, and is attached to a foot member with heel and toe sections. A movable coupling is disposed between the upper and lower portions, and includes a displacement member slidably coupled to a displacement track. The movable coupling allows the toe section to pivot downward and the heel section to simultaneously displace forward.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an ankle section with a discrete, straight section in a substantially vertical orientation with a curved section on both sides. An attachment member can be coupled to a limb of an amputee. An elongated forefoot portion can have an upper attachment section attached to the attachment member, and can extend downwardly through the ankle section positioned at an ankle location of a natural foot, and forwardly through an arch section, to a toe section positioned at a toe location of a natural foot. The first curved section can interconnect the attachment section and the straight section, while the second curved section can interconnect the straight section and the arch section.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot provides medial and lateral stabilization. An ankle part diverges upwardly from a sole along a transverse parting line and includes a vertical part. A longitudinally extending slot divides the ankle part into a lateral and a medial ankle part and a pylon is connected to each of those parts. A plurality of parallel, equidistantly spaced, longitudinally extending slots are formed in the toe section and the heel section of the sole, respectively, to create a plurality of substantially independent toe and heel sections of narrow width. This enables the substantially independent toe and heel sections to respond independently to uneven terrain so that the user of the prosthetic foot is less likely to fall when ambulating over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint consists of a base which includes an upper base portion and a lower base portion. The lower base portion is formed with a substantially hollow receiving cavity extending inwardly from an end thereof remote from the upper base portion. A base member is movably positioned within the receiving cavity and is connected to a prosthetic foot. The base member is movable in side-to-side direction independently of the base, so as to enable the prosthetic foot to closely follow a walking surface. The motion of the base member is controlled by resilient biasing members positioned between the inner cavity and the base member.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points includes a sole having a toe end and a heel end. A longitudinally—extending slot divides the heel end of the sole into a lateral heel member and a medial heel member which respectively include a lateral, posterior pylon support and a medial, anterior pylon support. A heel end of the lateral heel member has a gradual ninety degree bend formed in so that it forms the lateral, posterior pylon support which is disposed normal to the sole. The medial heel member includes a return bend and a gradual ninety degree bend that positions the medial, anterior pylon support in anterior relation to the lateral, posterior pylon support. A heel extension is formed integrally with the lateral side only of the sole and diverges from the lateral, posterior pylon support along a transverse parting line.

Abstract: A device in a leg prosthesis which via a pivot axle is connected to the leg prosthesis, wherein first means are arranged to permit a limited rotation of the foot with respect to the leg prosthesis from an initial position, in which the leg prosthesis and the foot have a certain angle with respect to each other and second means are arranged to permit a stepless adjustment of the angle beetween the prosthesis and the foot in the initial position.

Abstract: An ankle block for a leg prosthesis comprising an insert having a body with an upper mounting surface and a bottom interface surface opposite from the upper mounting surface. The insert body defines a central coaxial hole therethrough. An over mold is formed about an exterior of the body and extends upwardly therefrom defining a central cavity above the insert and above the upper mounting surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot gasket for sealing between a foot shell covering a foot portion of an endoskeletal prosthetic leg and a leg portion thereof comprises a peripheral body having an upper surface and further defining a central opening therethrough. A lip extends from a bottom of the body and in combination with the body defines a groove therearound for receiving a top portion of the foot shell. A seal is affixed to an upper surface of the body for sealing engagement with the leg portion of the prosthetic leg.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having variable cross section density. An ankle part diverges upwardly from a sole along a transverse parting line and includes a vertical part. A longitudinally extending slot divides the vertical part into a lateral pylon support and a medial pylon support. A lateral pylon connector is secured to the lateral pylon support and a medial pylon connector is secured to the medial pylon support. A second embodiment eliminates the pylon connectors and the lateral and medial pylon supports are elongated to provide lateral and medial pylons. High rigidity areas of the foot are formed of a high strength outer layer made with carbon reinforced composite and an inner layer made of a matrix within which is dispersed a plurality of low density hollow spheres. High stress areas of the foot are formed of carbon-reinforced composite throughout.

Abstract: A multi-axial prosthetic ankle joint of the type having a modified Curtis Universal Joint part number CJ 647 (4); with a Century Spring (3) 1.625 inches modified to 2.562 inches in length, and a wire diameter of 0.243 inches superimposed; over which assembly a steel reinforced hose (8) 1.5 inches in diameter is placed.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic foot that provides both energy storage capabilities and stability. The prosthetic foot of the present invention provides medial-lateral rotation as compared to the slight tilting or rocking in the medial-lateral plane of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the prosthetic foot of the present invention provides a true hinge in the ankle joint region that may be adapted so that the degree of rotation is controlled.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is provided having a proximal end portion adapted to be secured to an amputee and a distal foot structure. The improvement comprises a pivoting ankle joint disposed between the proximal end portion and the foot structure. This ankle joint includes a matable socket and head assembly interconnecting the proximal end portion and the foot structure for relative movement about a pivot axis between first and second positions. A spring element operates to resiliently bias the socket and head into the first pivot position. A load-sensitive locking mechanism operates, upon the existence of a triggering load which exceeds a predetermined threshold magnitude, to cause the socket and head assembly to lock at a selected locking position, thereby preventing relative pivotal movement. In the absence of the triggering load, relative pivotal movement of the socket and head assembly between the first and second positions is permitted.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable reversible prosthetic leg device (10) for use with a prosthetic socket (100) having a tube clamp adapter (101). The prosthetic leg device (10) includes an integrally formed leg pylon member (20) having an upper segment (22) adapted to be engaged by the tube clamp adapter (101), a concavo-convex intermediate segment (23), and a generally cylindrical lower segment (24) that is adapted to be reversibly received and angularly adjustable relative to the ankle segment (41) of a foot member (40) which also includes a toe segment (42) and a heel segment (43).

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises: (a) a prosthetic foot member having a fore-foot portion and a heel/ankle portion; (b) a dove-tail shaped anchoring member positioned on a proximal surface of the heel/ankle portion, where the dove-tail shaped anchoring member has a proximal face, and a pair of outwardly angled vertical faces; (c) a pylon support member having an upper end adapted to receive and couple to a pylon component of a prosthetic limb, and a lower end with a dove-tail shaped groove extending therein, where the dove-tail shaped groove has a pair of inwardly angled vertical faces and an inner-distal face, and where the dove-tail shaped anchoring member is slidingly received within the dove-tail shaped groove of the pylon support member; and (d) a threaded coupler cooperative with the dove-tail shaped anchoring member to draw the inwardly angled vertical faces of the pylon support member into an interference fit with the outwardly angled faces of the dove-tail shaped anchoring member, thereby inhibiting slidi

Abstract: Provided herein is a simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot incorporating an ankle block with spring inserts. The ankle block is formed of compressible material having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more spring inserts are embedded inside the ankle block to increase the rigidity of the prosthetic foot and to improve the degree of energy storage and return. The shape of the spring inserts is preferably one that supports compression during relative angular rotation of the ankle plate and foot plate elements, such as during toe and heel roll, and also vertical compression, such as in response to vertical shock loads.

Abstract: An articulated prosthetic ankle joint is adapted for connection between a pylon and a prosthetic foot for moving the foot between dorsiflexed and plantarflexed positions during human locomotion. The prosthetic ankle joint includes a base member adapted for connection to the prosthetic foot, a bracket member adapted for connection to the pylon and pivotally connected to the base member, a recumbent bar pivotally connected to the bracket member, and an upright bar having a lower end pivotally connected to the base and an upper end pivotally connected to the recumbent bar. The bracket member together with the base member, the recumbent bar and the upright bar form a four-bar linkage assembly with a deformable interior space. An elastomeric block is captured within the interior space. Pivotal movement of the base member with respect to the bracket member between dorsiflexed and plantarflexed positions causes deformation of the interior space, and thus deformation of the resilient block.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for use with an artificial leg has a coupling member that includes a mounting plate and a tubular portion. The tubular portion has an upper end surface and is formed with a radial inward first restricting portion distal to the upper end surface. A sleeve member has a lower sleeve portion mounted telescopically on the tubular portion, and an upper sleeve portion formed with a radial inward second restricting portion that is disposed above the upper end surface of the tubular portion of the coupling member. A damping member extends into the coupling member and the sleeve member between the first and second restricting portions. A cushioning unit is provided for cushioning axial and radial forces exerted on the coupling member and the sleeve member, and for defining an upper limit of the relative axial movement between the coupling member and the sleeve member.

Abstract: An adjustable prosthesis joint, such as a prosthesis ankle or a prosthesis foot, and intended primarily for causing setting of the angular relation between an attachment means (4) forming part thereof for affixing the prosthesis joint (1) to a cooperating body part, and a detail (17) being angularly displaceably connected thereto, whereby the prosthesis joint is provided with means adapted to be actuatable to permit or to prevent such angular displacement, respectively, whereby said means is constituted by two communicating chambers (3a, 3b) containing a flow medium, with a shiftable valve (13) provided between the chambers, and at least one body designed as a piston (8, 9), rotatably arranged in relation to said chambers and movably arranged therein and adapted to permit flow of flow medium between the two chambers, when the valve is open and under influence of an external shifting force being displaced in said chambers (3a, 3b) in order to alter the relative sizes thereof.

Abstract: A single-piece fibre-reinforced plastics shin component for a lower limb prosthesis for an above-knee amputee has an energy storing blade and, integrally formed therewith, a shin cradle in the form of a channel section which has a pair of pivot supports formed as flanges extending away from one of the major surfaces of the blade. Each flange has a pair of holes defining transverse pivot axes, one of which is a knee axis and the other of which is a pivot axis for mounting the distal end of a knee movement control unit. These holes together define a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to and to the anterior of the blade. The blade merges smoothly into the channel section and, over a distal end portion, is straight and of constant cross-section to allow the blade to be cut to length to suit the amputee.

Abstract: The present invention is an ankle joint prosthesis which is used for connecting an artificial leg to an artificial foot wherein, said ankle joint prosthesis includes an upper ankle part which rigidly connects to the artificial leg and, a lower ankle part for rigidly connecting said ankle joint prosthesis to an artificial foot. The ankle joint prosthesis also includes a hollow shaft concentric with an ankle axis which is pivotally mounted in a shaft bore for rotating said upper and lower ankle parts relative to each other about the ankle axis. The ankle joint prosthesis also includes a locking mechanism having a semi-circular spine upper section with a radius centred about the ankle axis which is adapted to co-operate with and releasably mesh with splines on a semi-circular splined lower arc section.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis has an inner spring that extends from the heel area to the front area of the foot. The foot spring is enclosed within a cosmetic lining and is joined by a threaded bolt to an adapter with a clamping connection for removably joining the foot prosthesis to a prosthesis tube. The adapter is supported by its lower face, which is designed as a cylinder segment and is provided with serrations, on a joining surface of the inner spring. The joining surface of the inner spring has a shape corresponding to the lower face of the adapter, and has serrations for engaging the adapter's serrations. The upper end of the adapter is designed as a peg which is inserted into the prosthesis tube. The threaded bolt is inserted through a slot that extends in the longitudinal direction of the foot and has a width corresponding to the diameter of the bolt.

Abstract: An ankle block prosthesis is provided having a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic ankle block. The foot plate, ankle plate and ankle block are generally sized to fit within a surrounding cosmesis. The foot is configured such that during a walking or running stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position so as to provide a natural feeling foot during walking or running activities.

Abstract: An ankle prosthesis for attachment to a foot prosthesis and an upper leg portion includes a swivel connection allowing adjustment of the angle of a longitudinal axis of the foot prosthesis relative to a vertical axis of the leg portion. The adjustment is provided by a pair of plates lying in a common plane containing the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis which can rotate relative to one another and each includes a series of radial ribs allowing adjustment through predetermined angles.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle joint comprising a housing having a bottom portion and a top portion having a front bumper and rear bumper positioned within the housing between the bottom portion and the top portion. The front and rear bumpers and the top and bottom portions of the housing each contain at least one flange which are overlapping and include an axially aligned hole for receipt of a pin. The holes in the upper housing flanges are elongated to provide multiple axes of motion for the ankle joint. The ankle joint is adapted to be rigidly connected between a lower leg component and a foot component.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot adapted to be attached to a standard sized pylon defining a lower surface and an interior surface which defines a cavity. The foot includes a horizontal foot portion, an upstanding ankle portion connected to the foot portion and a plug formed around the upper end of the ankle portion. The plug defines a radially extending flange spaced downward from the top of the plug and a mating portion above the flange.A mating portion of the plug fits within a cavity defined by the interior surface of the pylon. A layer of adhesive is provided between the interior surface of the pylon and the mating portion of the plug so that the interior surface and mating portion form a tight fit and the layer of adhesive forms an adhesive bond. The adhesive bond resists torsional load and the mating portion of the plug and the pylon cooperate to resist sheer forces.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint includes a first joint structure having a foot attachment plate connecting a pair of spaced apart parallel fins lying in a sagital plane. A second joint structure having a pylon attachment plate is connected to a support block positioned between the fins of the first joint structure. The first and second joint structures are connected to each other by a spherical bearing that allows the joint structures to pivot with respect to each other about three orthogonal axes. The spherical bearing is connected to the first joint structure through an axle that extends through an aperture in the bearing. A rod extending from the bearing is threaded into a bore formed in the support block of the second joint structure. Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion cushions are positioned between the support block and respective surfaces of the first joint structure to resist pivotal dorsiflexal and plantar flexal pivotal movement of the ankle joint.

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, having a foot, an ankle joint connected to the foot and capable of motion about a transverse axis, forward and rear snubbers for limiting rotation of the ankle joint, and a connector for connecting the ankle joint to a leg. The ankle joint preferably comprises a body having a bore, and a shell having an integral axle, with the axle extending pivotally through the bore.

Abstract: An exoskeletal (or endoskeletal) ankle connector for use in fixedly securing a prosthetic foot to a prosthetic leg. The foot has an elongated cantilever spring type keel. The keel defines an elongated forefoot part, an ankle part and a heel part merging the ankle part with the forefoot part. The keel ankle part is provided with a cavity. The leg has a bottom end with an integral bolt with the bolt having a free projecting threaded stem.

Abstract: An adjustable lower limb prosthesis has a pylon connected to both a prosthetic foot and to the stump adapter by way of a foot/pylon joint and a pylon/stump joint, respectively. Each of the joints is similar and includes a tapered socket holding a truncated conical wedge sleeve. The wedge sleeve has a bore which may be angled with respect to the cone axis, and into which the pylon is fitted. A cap locks the wedge sleeve in the bore and locks the pylon in the wedge sleeve. For adjusting the prosthesis, a set of wedge sleeves are available to the prosthetist, each having a bore with a different offset with respect to the conical axis of the sleeve. The prosthetist selects the appropriate sleeve based upon a prior determination using a temporary pylon and an alignment adapter. The correct foot wedge sleeve and circumferential alignment of the wedge sleeve are set with the aid of discs having offset holes.

Abstract: An artificial foot which includes a foot blade and a hollow cylindrical body which extends at an angle to the foot blade and which is connected thereto in a manner to permit relative movement therebetween. The foot also includes a two-part brace which is displaceable and adjustably mounted in an upper end of the cylindrical body and is attached to the foot blade at a lower end of the body in a manner such as to permit relative movement between the foot blade and the brace. Displaceability and adjustability of the brace, and therewith angular adjustment of the foot, may be provided by the combination of a ball screw and a ball nut which is rotatable, and selectively lockable by the user.

Abstract: The invented artificial limb includes a shin, ankle and foot. The shin includes a first mount, a second mount positioned below the first mount, and a plurality of rods extending between the first and second mounts, where at least one rod is a load bearing rod. The foot includes an elongate member having a toe section and a heel section. In many applications, the elongate member is arched. The shin is coupled to the foot by an ankle. The ankle allows the shin to rotate around an axis substantially perpendicular to a line between the toe and heel sections of the foot. A rotation controlling element such as an elastic band or a compression spring is connected to both the ankle and to the elongate member to restrict rotation of the shin toward the heel section of the foot. The ankle may also allow the shin to move around a second axis to simulate lateral rotation of the ankle.