A method of engaging a limb with an interface using an external tool is described. The method includes the steps of: (i) removably attaching one or more actuators of the external tool to one or more paddles of the interface; (ii) operating the actuators to adjust a position of the paddles inward or outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the interface; and (iii) selecting a compression force for each of the paddles so as to compress target areas of soft tissue in the limb against skeletal structure to reduce motion of the skeletal structure towards an inner surface of the paddles.

A prosthetic socket for a residual limb of the lower extremity or upper extremity of an individual person is provided. The residual limb has particular dimensions and anatomical contours; the prosthetic socket has dimensions and contours that fit the dimensions and contours of the residual limb. The prosthetic socket may also fit in a manner that is biomechanically appropriate for the individual. The prosthetic socket may be an assembly from groups of components that include (a) struts arranged longitudinally with respect to the residual limb, (b) proximal brim members arranged proximally to the struts and connected thereto; and (c) distal socket members disposed at the distal base of the prosthetic socket. The socket components within these groups may be modular in that they can vary with respect to dimensions and/or contours, and yet have common connecting features that permit assembly of the components together to form the prosthetic socket.

An adjustable prosthetic device and a fitting tool for positing the prosthetic device on a limb are described. The prosthetic device comprises two or more adjustable paddles that are movably coupled with an adapter via connectors. The connectors allow the paddles to be repositioned relative to a user's limb. The paddles are sized and dimensioned to capture lost motion between the limb and the prosthetic device through skeletal compression and tissue displacement. The fitting tool comprises two or more compression bars that removably couple with the two or more paddles of the prosthetic device. The fitting tool also comprises two or more linear actuators that control the positions of the compression bars and the paddles relative to the limb.

The invention relates to a prosthetic socket for a residual limb of the lower extremity or upper extremity of an individual person. The residual limb has particular dimensions and anatomical contours; the prosthetic socket has dimensions and contours that fit the dimensions and contours of the residual limb. The prosthetic socket may also fit in a manner that is biomechanically particularly appropriate for the individual. The prosthetic socket is an assembly of components from groups of components that include (a) struts arranged longitudinally with respect to the residual limb, (b) proximal brim members arranged proximally to the struts and connected thereto; and (c) distal socket members disposed at the distal base of the prosthetic socket. The socket components within these groups may be modular in that they can vary with respect to dimensions and/or contours, and yet have common connecting features that permit assembly of the components together to form the prosthetic socket.

Embodiments of a modular prosthetic socket for a residual limb of a lower extremity of a patient are provided. Modular components include a base, multiple strut connectors, and multiple longitudinal struts. The base is selected from a collection of bases. The multiple strut connectors are selected from a collection of strut connectors, each strut connector being adjustably connectable to the base along the periphery of the base. The multiple longitudinal struts are selected from a collection of struts, each strut including a thermoplastic-fiber composite material, each strut being connectable to the base along the base periphery via one of the strut connectors. At least one of the component collections includes at least one of multiple sizes or multiple shapes of bases, struts or strut connectors, respectively. The prosthetic socket circumscribes a proximally-open internal space configured to conform to the residual limb of the patient.

The invention relates to a prosthetic socket for a residual limb of the lower extremity or upper extremity of an individual person. The residual limb has particular dimensions and anatomical contours; the prosthetic socket has dimensions and contours that fit the dimensions and contours of the residual limb. The prosthetic socket may also fit in a manner that is biomechanically particularly appropriate for the individual. The prosthetic socket is an assembly of components from groups of components that include (a) struts arranged longitudinally with respect to the residual limb, (b) proximal brim members arranged proximally to the struts and connected thereto; and (c) distal socket members disposed at the distal base of the prosthetic socket. The socket components within these groups may be modular in that they can vary with respect to dimensions and/or contours, and yet have common connecting features that permit assembly of the components together to form the prosthetic socket.

Prosthesis devices can include sockets having adjustable features. In one example, a socket includes one or more panels that can move outwardly or inwardly relative to a receptacle portion of the socket. The panels can be moved by tightening a tensioning line.

Prosthesis devices can include sockets having adjustable features. In one example, a socket includes one or more panels that can move outwardly or inwardly relative to a receptacle portion of the socket. The panels can be moved by tightening a tensioning line.

An adjustable socket system includes first and second shell components and first and second longitudinal supports connected to a base. The socket system is movable between an open configuration to loosen the fit of the socket system, and a closed configuration to secure the fit of the socket system on residual limb received therein. A tightening system includes a tensioning unit having a handle defining a moment arm rotatable about a rotation axis, and a tensioning element operatively coupled to the handle via a movable connection point located and protected between the first shell component and the first support and to the shell components via a control point. Rotation of the handle displaces the movable connection point and the tensioning element relative to the control point to move the socket system to the closed configuration.

An adjustable socket system includes a socket frame having a proximal area, a distal area opposite the proximal area, a first component arranged along a first side of the socket system, and a second component arranged along a second side of the socket system. The first component is connected to the second component. A tubular insert is arranged on an interior of at least the proximal area of the socket frame. The tubular insert forms an interior surface of the socket system. At least one tensioning element operatively connects the tubular insert to the first and/or second components. At least one tensioner is attached to the at least one tensioning element that selectively tensions the tensioning element to adjust a circumference of at least one area of the socket system.