A prosthetic socket system having an interchangeable distal end, includes a prosthetic socket defining a substantially rigid base, and a funnel formed from a polymeric material and removably attached to the base of a prosthetic socket. The funnel is arranged to be positioned in the base, and is configured and dimensioned to accommodate a distal end of a residual limb.

A prosthetic attachment system includes an insert arranged for connection to a prosthetic liner, and an attachment unit arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic socket. The attachment unit comprises a body defining an axis and a central opening for selectively receiving the insert. The body carries a plurality of locking elements that are distributed circumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative to the axis. A release mechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which the locking elements are radially repositioned to lock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert is released from the central opening.

The conformable convection liner is for use with a prosthetic system and configured to be donned over a residual limb of an amputee. The conformable convection liner includes a tubular body formed from an elastomeric limb-conforming material and including an outer surface and inner surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A seal area is defined at the proximal end of the tubular body on the inner surface thereof. An outlet port is positioned at the distal end of the tubular body between the inner and outer surfaces thereof. An inner regulated environment is defined between the inner surface of the tubular body and the residual limb, the inner regulated environment extending between the proximal end of the tubular body with the seal area and the distal end of the tubular body with the outlet port. One or more internal convection guides are formed in the elastomeric limb-conforming material on the internal surface of the tubular body below the seal area and configured to promote the flow of fluid within the inner regulated environment towards the outlet port at the distal end of the tubular body.

Apparatus is provided to cushion between a prosthetic socket and an amputee's residual limb. A plurality of putty-filled packets are assembled into a liner that, when assembled, provides a generally smooth contact surface toward the residual limb. At least one of the packets has a fluid bladder positioned between the putty material and the socket, and the fluid volume in the bladder can be adjusted to affect the fit of the assembly on the residual limb. Methods of fabrication, fitting, and use of such prosthetic devices are disclosed.

A method of making a prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic assembly that acts as the interface between the residual limb of an amputee and the socket assembly. The prosthetic liner comprises an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and sidewalls comprising an inner layer of molded thermoplastic gel. A thermoplastic material is molded over a mandrel that has been sandblasted using #36 grit and, optionally, #320 grit at 100 psi so as to form microcraters and reduce the coefficient of static friction. The liner further includes a sweat port incorporated into the distal end with a one-way valve for the elimination of perspiration.

The following invention is a device for measuring the force applied by the residual limb of an amputee to the distal region of a socket. The device has an upper surface with a “force sensor measuring region” that maintains a central location on the upper surface of the DFMD. The DFMD is affixed to the inside surface of the distal most area of the socket and maintains a permanent location of the “force sensor measuring region” of the device. Regardless of physical characteristics or changes to the socket, liner, socks, proper or improper placement of the limb into the socket, the consistent location of the “force sensor measuring region” on the DFMD provides congruent force data as it relates to the force applied by the socket to the distal area of the residual limb. The data collected by the DFMD is processed and modified by a software algorithm into meaningful data for the user and/or medical professional. Applicable uses for the data relate to the fit of the socket, limb volume management strategy, and vacuum suspension efficacy.

In the case of known prosthesis systems and socket supplies, the transmission of force is a critical issue. The inventive prosthesis system shall improve known prosthesis systems. According to the invention, a prosthesis system for human limbs is provided, which comprises an implant (101) having at least two joint parts which are movable relative to each other, wherein the first joint part (110) can be connected to a bone part (131, 132) and the second joint part (120) comprises a subcutaneously arrangeable end part (124) on the side being remote from the joint. The invention further relates to a prosthesis system comprising a subcutaneous implant and a socket (170).

A limb prosthesis includes a liner, a shell, and at least one sealing member. The at least one sealing member is secured to and circumferentially surrounds the liner. The at least one sealing member is disposed between the liner and the shell and enhances security of the attachment of the shell to the liner.

In one aspect, novel robust electroactive polymers (EAPs) is described, which contract and expand at low voltages to provide for a shape-morphing system, e.g., a prosthetic liner, and potentially entire prosthetic socket, to contract and expand in strategic areas as needed to maintain a comfortable and good fit throughout the day. In some embodiments, as the residual limb changes, these novel robust EAPs can change dynamically as needed to maintain a comfortable, snug fit of the prosthetic liner or socket with the hard shell of the prosthetic socket device. In some embodiments, the EAPs used in prosthetic liners or sockets can also be used to detect pressure as the device is being used, and automatically adjust to maintain fit through a control unit, so that the patient does not even have to stop and adjust his or her device as he or she goes about an active day.

A prosthesis carrying barrel suction-attaching joint with locking function, particularly a joint specifically for suction-attachment to a carrying barrel, includes a positioning mechanism, which forms, in a center thereof, a positioning pin hole for receiving a positioning pin to dispose therein. The positioning mechanism is provided, in a lateral direction, with a penetration passage and a vacuum release passage in communication with the positioning pin hole. The penetration passage has two ends on opposite sides of the positioning pin hole. One of the ends is provided with a regulation assembly and another one provided with a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a constraint block for retaining the positioning pin so that a chamber for vacuum regulation is formed in the site where the regulation assembly is arranged. Pressing down the locking assembly allows external air to flow through the vacuum release passage into the chamber to release the vacuum.