A prosthetic foot including a continuous body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The body includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface, and a fin on the posterior surface. A prosthetic foot can include a first footplate and a second footplate. The first footplate extends between a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions of the first footplate are configured to operatively engage a support surface during ambulation. The second footplate extends between a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the second footplate is coupled to the first footplate at an intermediate location between the proximal and distal portions of the first footplate. The second footplate incudes an anterior surface, a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface, and a fin on the posterior surface.

A liner is arranged for use in prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The liner defines first and second end portions, and inner and outer surfaces. The liner includes an inner layer having a frictional component and forms at least part of the periphery of the inner liner surface. The inner layer defines a plurality of apertures. A porous element is in communication with the inner liner surface and is connected to the inner layer such that the apertures permit a transfer of air from the inner surface to the porous element. A base layer adjoins the porous element and extends between the first and second end portions of the liner.

An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element. The gap may be filled with a resilient material.

Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

A liner is arranged for use in prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The liner defines first and second end portions, and inner and outer surfaces. The liner includes an inner layer having a frictional component and forms at least part of the periphery of the inner liner surface. The inner layer defines a plurality of apertures. A porous element is in communication with the inner liner surface and is connected to the inner layer such that the apertures permit a transfer of air from the inner surface to the porous element. A base layer adjoins the porous element and extends between the first and second end portions of the liner.

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.

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.

A prosthetic foot including a continuous body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The body includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface, and a fin on the posterior surface. A prosthetic foot can include a first footplate and a second footplate. The first footplate extends between a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions of the first footplate are configured to operatively engage a support surface during ambulation. The second footplate extends between a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the second footplate is coupled to the first footplate at an intermediate location between the proximal and distal portions of the first footplate. The second footplate incudes an anterior surface, a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface, and a fin on the posterior surface.