Abstract: Prosthetic feet that allow for heel height adjustment and/or provide metatarsal joint functionality to more closely mimic natural human feet are provided. A prosthetic foot can include an ankle module having a locking mechanism configured to lock the heel at a particular height. The prosthetic foot can also include a toe region that adapts to varying heel heights. The ankle module and/or locking mechanism can be adjusted, controlled, and/or locked via a hydraulic mechanism. The toe region can curve upward relative to a portion of the foot proximal of the toe region.

Abstract: A method for connecting at least two structural parts of an orthopedic component, wherein the structural parts are retained in an orienting device while oriented in relation to each other, and an intermediate space thus being formed between the structural parts. The orienting device and the structural parts together form a cavity, which has a flow connection to at least one feed connection, via which an adhesive for adhesively bonding the structural parts is introduced into the cavity.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet that provide improved rollover and performance are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a lower foot member extending from a heel end to a toe end, a second foot member disposed above the lower foot member, and an optional third foot member disposed above the second foot member. The second foot member is tapered such that its thickness decreases toward the proximal end. Optionally, the second foot member can taper toward its distal end as well as toward its proximal end from an intermediate location on the second foot member. The third foot member can be tapered such that its thickness decreases toward the distal end. There can be a gap between a distal end of the third foot member and the second foot member that closes during dorsiflexion of the prosthetic foot during use and provides dynamic stiffness control to the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet that provide for variable and adjustable stiffness are provided. A foot element can include a tongue portion defined or formed by a slot in the foot element that at least partially separates the tongue portion from a remainder of the foot element. The tongue portion can be operably connected to the remainder of the foot member to increase the stiffness of the foot member or operably disconnected from the remainder of the foot member to increase the flexibility of the foot member. The prosthetic foot further includes a mechanism for adjusting whether the tongue portion is operably connected or disconnected from the remainder of the foot member. The mechanism can be selectively actuated to adjust the stiffness of the foot element in dorsiflexion and/or plantarflexion and/or to adjust the degree to which the tongue portion is allowed to flex relative to the remainder of the foot member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to orthopedic medical devices for fixating, immobilizing, and manipulating bones, components of these medical devices, and methods. Specific examples relate to external fixation stabilizers and assemblies suitable for spacing a footplate from the ground. An external fixation stabilizer assembly includes a base member that defines an upper cavity and a lower cavity, a spacer defining a passageway, a connector member partially disposed in the lower cavity and extending into the upper cavity and through the spacer passageway, and a footing member attached to the lower surface of the base member. The spacer is movable between a first orientation on the connector in which a portion of the spacer extends into the upper cavity and a second orientation in which no portion of the spacer is disposed in the upper cavity. The disclosure also relates to external fixation systems, external fixation kits, and various related methods.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot, comprising a core, on which a proximal fastening device for fastening the prosthetic foot to a lower-leg tube or to a lower-leg shaft is arranged and which is surrounded by a foot casing. The foot casing forms a cavity, in which the core is inserted. A slot-shaped recess is formed in a front foot region of the foot casing, into which slot-shaped recess a tongue arranged on the core is inserted. The front foot region has a stiffness that deviates in comparison with the rest of the foot casing.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis having a lower-leg connection part, a foot part, a connecting element with a joint function which connects the lower-leg connection part to the foot part, and a release device, which controls movement of the foot part in relation to the lower-leg connection part. The release device includes an inhibiting device that is designed in such a way that a dorsal extension motion of the foot part in relation to the lower-leg connection part in an angular range from a maximal plantar flexion position to a zero position is inhibited less intensely than a dorsal extension motion of the foot part from the zero position.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet that provide improved rollover and performance are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a lower foot member extending from a heel end to a toe end, a second foot member disposed above the lower foot member, and an optional third foot member disposed above the second foot member. The second foot member is tapered such that its thickness decreases toward the proximal end. Optionally, the second foot member can taper toward its distal end as well as toward its proximal end from an intermediate location on the second foot member. The third foot member can be tapered such that its thickness decreases toward the distal end. There can be a gap between a distal end of the third foot member and the second foot member that closes during dorsiflexion of the prosthetic foot during use and provides dynamic stiffness control to the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot insert with upper attachment member, a roof spring extending forwards from the upper attachment means, and a base spring coupled to the roof spring at least two points. A rear coupling element is provided for supporting the base spring, and a free space is formed between the coupling element, the roof spring and the base spring. The base spring, in the heel area, protrudes rearwards as a free lever beyond the rear coupling element.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a foot for a walking robot. An example foot includes a central portion including a first surface and at least one foot extension including at least one respective first surface parallel to the first surface of the central portion. The foot additionally includes at least one hinge component that is configured to rotate the at least one foot extension away from the central portion when at least one respective second surface of the at least one foot extension is contacted. The foot also includes at least one spring component configured to cause the at least one hinge component to rotate the at least one foot extension toward the central portion until the at least one respective first surface is parallel to the first surface of the central portion when the at least one respective second surface is no longer contacted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an artificial foot, comprising a medial plane (M) in a longitudinal axis, in which a nominal foot length (l) is defined as a distance from a heel to a foot tip of a natural foot replaced by the artificial foot, and designed having a top side connecting piece (4) for torsionally rigidly connecting a foot insert (2) extending substantially over the length of the foot (l), and contacting two contact surfaces (6, 7) over the length (l), of which a first heel side contact surface (7) is located in the heel area and a second ball side contact surface (6) is located in the ball area, and designed so that the connecting part (4) is connected to the contact surfaces (6, 7) of the foot part by means of spring connections.

Abstract: Foot prosthesis, comprising an upper part, and a lower part that is placed on the ground when walking, which parts extend one above the other and at a distance from each other, are connected to each other at the forefoot and the heel and, forming a spring, move relative to each other during walking, wherein the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) are formed by means of a one-piece, closed component (2) made from a carbon fiber composite.

Abstract: Biomimetic Hybrid Actuators employed in biologically-inspired musculoskeletal architectures employ an electric motor for supplying positive energy to and storing negative energy from an artificial joint or limb, as well as elastic elements such as springs, and controllable variable damper components, for passively storing and releasing energy and providing adaptive stiffness to accommodate level ground walking as well as movement on stairs and surfaces having different slopes.

Abstract: A foreshortened prosthesis comprising a socket, an adapter attached distally to said socket, and a foot attached to the adapter. The foot comprises a lower base plate formed as a flat peripherally-curvilinear member fixedly attached to the adapter and defining a short toe, a longer heel, and an instep there between. In addition, an upper slide plate is sandwiched between the adapter and lower base plate, but is not otherwise attached to the lower base. The upper slide plate is smaller and narrower than the lower base plate and slides there against under the weight of a heel strike, thereby serving as a leaf spring damper and suspension to smooth ambulation. This provides a BAK amputee with a more comfortable and natural gait, at a suitable angle and orientation, with smooth and comfortable flex relative to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a ground engaging bottom resilient member, a resilient heel member, and a resilient toe member that collectively circumscribe an open volumetric space. The members resilient compress to absorb compressive force throughout the entire stride of an individual utilizing the foot. The prosthetic foot stores energy during a heel strike phase of a gait cycle, and releases energy during a toe-off phase of the gait cycle in order to assist forward movement of a user. During the gait cycle, a loading response during the heel strike phase compresses the heel member and the toe member, and causes a deflection of the rear portion of the bottom member. Furthermore, an upward deflection of at least one of the bottom member and the toe member stores energy during the transition from the heel strike phase to the toe-off phase of the gait cycle.

Abstract: A prosthetic device, system and method is arranged to generate negative pressure inside a prosthetic socket. A pump mechanism is connected to a prosthetic foot and has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket during gait for drawing air from the prosthetic socket in step phase, and expelling air into the atmosphere in swing phase. The vacuum assisted suspension results in secure and intimate suspension as the negative pressure formed inside the prosthetic socket holds a residuum firmly to walls of the prosthetic socket. The vacuum is preferably formed at the distal area of the prosthetic socket, and sealed by a suspension liner having a seal component.

Abstract: A flexible foot for a mobility device may have one or more layers of a resilient material that provides a smoother, more natural walking motion for a user and that is more stable and requires less user energy than a mobility device with a rigid foot. Furthermore, a flexible foot may have a shortened forward toe and extended rear heel, which may provide safety benefits by reducing the risk of falling and incurring further injury.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet having improved vertical suspension are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a foot member having a change in curvature near a toe section so that the toe section is downwardly vertically offset from the remainder of the foot member. A prosthetic foot can have upper and lower foot members that extend parallel to each other and are separated by a gap. The lower foot member can extend beyond a distal end of the upper foot member to form a toe section. An adapter for coupling a prosthetic foot to another prosthetic component is also provided. The adapter includes a cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot is secured to the adapter with a curable material such as epoxy to provide a more lightweight system.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet are described comprising a curvilinear spring element, including a rounded portion transitioning between upper and lower extensions, the upper extension including a mounting section/region between the curved portion and a distal end of the upper extension. At least one leaf spring element spans a gap between the upper and lower extension sections, and a resilient footbed is attached to the lower extension. Such feet are typically set within a cosmetic cover for and fit within a shoe for use.

Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A range of motion (ROM) prosthetic foot and passive dampening ankle joint have limited dorsiflexion-plantarflexion (up and down) pivoting to accommodate different environments, and a spring to provide resilient resistance to plantarflexion (or lowering of the toe), and to bias the foot in dorsiflexion (or raising the toe). The ankle joint has a rear pivot rearward of a hydraulic link for a smooth feel. The ankle joint has an internal bumper in a hydraulic cylinder for a smooth feel. The ankle joint has an internal hydraulic compensator disposed in the cylinder and carried by the piston to equalize volume.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a resilient heel member that can be removably coupled to the bottom of a plate-like foot member of the prosthetic foot. The heel member can be made of a resilient material, such as foam. The heel member can have a shape that corresponds to a foot cover and allows the prosthetic foot to fit within a foot cover. A lip may be provided to engage with a corresponding portion of the foot cover to secure the heel member within the foot cover. A rib can be located on the bottom of the heel member to create horizontal or vertical displacement of the foot at heel strike. A recess can be created in the heel member to removably receive an insert, which can alter the stiffness of the heel member.

Abstract: An artificial foot having a longitudinal axis extending from a heel area to a toe area, a length, a width and a height is provided. The artificial foot includes a connection to a lower leg part, an upper supporting structure in the direction of height, an elastic sole structure extending from the heel area to the toe area, an elastic connecting element arranged between the upper supporting structure and the sole structure, and a coupling system. The upper supporting structure is connected to the sole structure approximately in a middle of the foot with respect to its length by means of the coupling system. The coupling system allows a relative tilting motion between the upper supporting structure and the sole structure while keeping a distance between the upper supporting structure and the sole structure in a middle of the coupling system constant, at least while a patient places weight on it when standing.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member having a heel member shaft extending upwardly from a heel end thereof and a forefoot member having a forefoot member shaft extending upwardly from a toe end thereof. An ankle member receives the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft to translate in a direction of a wearer's leg in response to an upward force thereon. At least one compressible member is coupled to the ankle member and is in compressible contact with the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft so as to compress in response to the translation thereof.

Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member having a heel member shaft extending upwardly from a heel end thereof and a forefoot member having a forefoot member shaft extending upwardly from a toe end thereof. An ankle member receives the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft to translate in a direction of a wearer's leg in response to an upward force thereon. At least one compressible member is coupled to the ankle member and is in compressible contact with the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft so as to compress in response to the translation thereof.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices containing an artificial foot are disclosed. Methods of making and using prosthetic devices containing an artificial foot are also disclosed. The artificial foot may be in the form of a thermoformed foot member having at least one foot member curved section between a foot member first end and a foot member second end opposite the foot member first end such that (a) a first portion of a foot member inner surface overlaps and faces a second portion of the foot member inner surface, (b) a foot member second end surface is positioned (i) between and connecting a foot member outer surface and the foot member inner surface to one another and (ii) over and facing the foot member second end surface along the at least one foot member curved section.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.

Abstract: An artificial foot device may include a core, a talus body operatively coupled with the core by a first joint, and a toe operatively coupled with the core by a second joint. The first joint may provides for constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core. The second joint may provide for constrained relative movement between the core and the toe. In some embodiments, the core may include a core assembly including a core body, an Achilles sheave coupled with the core body and a toe bracket coupled with the core body. The toe bracket may be operatively coupled with the toe, and the Achilles sheave may be operatively coupled with the talus body. Constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core may substantially correspond to a coordinated movement of a first natural joint and a second natural joint during ambulation of a natural human foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic lower leg uses one or more generally C-shaped spring elements between the patient's socket and a footplate assembly. The respective connections between (a) those one or more elements and (b) that socket and that footplate can be configured to provide a lightweight and economic prosthesis that effectively mimics the feel and performance of a normal human foot. The prosthetic spring element is generally C-shaped, and can have a substantially constant thickness along its length, lending itself to being fabricated by automated processes such as filament winding. One or more of the generally C-shaped spring elements can be incorporated into other prostheses and/or other devices.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises an attachment member and two or more flexible members. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The two or more flexible members can be rotatably attached to the attachment member by rotatable joints such that the flexible members can both rotate and flex relative to the attachment member when the prosthetic foot contacts the ground.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot structure comprises a mounting case, a first curved flexible member, a second curved flexible member, an upper block, a lower block, and an elastic body. The first curved flexible member defines an opening. A plurality of bolts are provided for affixing the first curved flexible member to the mounting case. The second curved flexible member extends through the opening of the first curved flexible member in a direction generally opposite to the first curved flexible member. The upper block and the lower block are fastened together by a screw. The second curved flexible member is fastened to the lower block by bolts. The upper block, the lower block, and the second curved flexible member are mounted in the mounting case by a pin. The elastic body is placed against the second curved flexible member and snugly fitted in the opening of the first curved flexible member.

Abstract: A prosthetic device including an upper member having an upper end and a lower end, a wave member having a toe end and a heel end, and a third member having a proximal end and a distal end. In the preferred prosthetic device, the toe end of the wave member is fixedly attached to the upper member and the heel end of wave member is adapted to be deflected.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient member comprising an outer arced surface, a toe piece, a mid-stance support, and a heel support. The toe piece may be coupled to an anterior portion of the outer arced surface of the resilient member. The mid-stance support may be removably coupled to a middle portion of the outer arced surface of the resilient member. The heel support coupled to a posterior portion of the outer arced surface of the resilient member.

Abstract: A hollow tubulous composite structure and method for prosthetic limbs is described.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member having a heel member shaft extending upwardly from a heel end thereof and a forefoot member having a forefoot member shaft extending upwardly from a toe end thereof. An ankle member receives the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member shaft and forefoot member shaft to translate in a direction of a wearer's leg in response to an upward force thereon. At least one compressible member is coupled to the ankle member and is in compressible contact with the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft so as to compress in response to the translation thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot structure comprises a mounting case, a first curved flexible member, a second curved flexible member, an upper block, a lower block, and an elastic body. The first curved flexible member defines an opening. A plurality of bolts are provided for affixing the first curved flexible member to the mounting case. The second curved flexible member extends through the opening of the first curved flexible member in a direction generally opposite to the first curved flexible member. The upper block and the lower block are fastened together by a screw. The second curved flexible member is fastened to the lower block by bolts. The upper block, the lower block, and the second curved flexible member are mounted in the mounting case by a pin. The elastic body is placed against the second curved flexible member and snugly fitted in the opening of the first curved flexible member.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, wherein the anterior top end is connected to the anterior bottom end of the resilient bottom member, and wherein the resilient top member is positioned over the resilient bottom member, and an elastomeric bumper member comprising a tapered surface configured to contact the resilient bottom member and attached to an underside of the posterior of the resilient top member. The prosthetic foot can further comprise a toe pad having a spacer coupled to, and creating space between, the bottom member and the top member, and an adhesive bonding one of the bottom member and one end of the top member, where the adhesive is commingled with the spacer between the first bottom end and the first top end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic foot insert with upper attachment means, a roof spring (20) extending forwards from the upper attachment means (10), and a base spring (30) coupled to the roof spring (20) at least two points, wherein a rear coupling element (40) is provided for supporting the base spring (30), and a free space (50) is formed between the coupling element (40), the roof spring (20) and the base spring (30), wherein the base spring (30), in the heel area (36), protrudes rearwards as a free lever beyond the rear coupling element (40).

Abstract: A method of making a resilient prosthetic/orthotic component, particularly a shank for a lower extremity prosthesis in which the shank includes multiple sections which are unbounded in one or more portions of each other, and wherein the shank sections incorporate at least one voids and inserted materials between one or more shank sections to enhance shank flexibility while reducing stresses which can cause premature failure.

Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient prosthetic/orthotic component, particularly a shank for a lower extremity prosthesis in which the shank includes multiple sections which are unbounded in one or more portions of each other, and wherein the shank sections incorporate at least one voids and inserted materials between one or more shank sections to enhance shank flexibility while reducing stresses which can cause premature failure.

Abstract: Foot prosthesis, comprising an upper part, and a lower part that is placed on the ground when walking, which parts extend one above the other and at a distance from each other, are connected to each other at the forefoot and the heel and, forming a spring, move relative to each other during walking, wherein the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) are formed by means of a one-piece, closed component (2) made from a carbon fiber composite.

Abstract: Foot prosthesis, comprising an upper part, and a lower part that is placed on the ground when walking, wherein the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other via an elastic damping element arranged in the heel area, and the upper part and the lower part, forming a spring, extend one above the other and spaced apart from each other into the area of the forefoot, wherein at least one filling piece (15) is inserted between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) in the area between the damping element (9) and the forefoot (5), which filling piece (15) increases the flexural stiffness of the upper and lower part coupled via the filling piece during walking.