Proprioceptive feedback is provided in a residual limb of a person that includes forming a linkage between a pair of agonist and antagonist muscles, forming a sliding surface over which the agonist and antagonist muscles slide. The sliding surface can include a synovial sleeve, a bridge formed between the distal ends of bones, or a fixture that is osseointegrated into the bone. The invention also includes a system for transdermal electrical communication in a person that includes a percutaneous access device, a sensory device that communicates signals between a muscle and the percutaneous device, and a stimulation device in communication with the percutaneous access device. In another embodiment, a closed-loop functional stimulation system restores lost functionality to a person that suffers from impairment of a neurological control system or at least partial loss of a limb.

A transcutaneous connection between an exterior and an interior of a human or animal body includes a cylindrical skin penetration piece which provides a passage through the skin and has a longitudinal axis that determines the direction of passage through the skin. Wound-healing action and reliable disinfection are effected using an annular flat electrode arrangement, which has a contact surface at an angle to the longitudinal axis, can be fastened to the skin penetration piece. The electrode arrangement includes a flat electrode and a flat dielectric shielding the electrode relative to the surface of the skin, and is designed as a counter-electrode to generate a dielectric barrier plasma between the dielectric and the surface of the skin.

A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.

A prosthesis, radiation bolus, pre-surgical model, or burn mask formed using a rapid prototyping device, such as a three-dimensional printer. In some exemplary aspects, the prosthesis includes a scaffolding and a coating at least partially covering the scaffolding. Methods and systems for forming the prosthesis, radiation bolus, pre-surgical model, or burn mask are also provided.

Improved osseointegration devices and structures, including such structures that can be used in connection with prosthetic limbs. Examples include a self-centering implant/nut configuration, a centering device, a tapered mounting screw hole, a coupling device, and an aiming device. The devices are highly efficacious. For example, they can be secured with minimal residual bone, and may be removed without significant bone destruction.

The invention relates to a prosthetic socket system having: a dimensionally-stable outer socket (10) having a proximal insertion opening (11) and a distal end region (12), on which outer socket a fastening element (13) for a distal prosthetic component is arranged; and a prosthetic liner (20) that can be secured in the outer socket (10) and has a distal sealing cap (21), a supporting element (30) being arranged in the outer socket (10) proximally to the distal end region (12) of the outer socket (10) and having a recess (40) for an osseointegrated coupling element (50).

A securing arrangement of a prosthetic hand on a forearm socket with a receiving frame that can be fixed to the forearm socket, the prosthetic hand being fixed to said receiving frame, wherein the receiving frame is designed to feature radially-directed openings through which the securing elements protrude. The securing elements positively engage with a proximal connection section of the prosthetic hand.

A failsafe for a transdermal apparatus for a prosthetic appendage can include a first plate, a second plate, and a breakaway connector. The first plate can have a central axis, a proximal portion, and a distal end. The distal end can be opposite the proximal portion, and the distal end can be securable with a prosthetic external to skin and can be configured to simulate an appendage of a patient. The second plate can be aligned with the central axis and can include a proximal end and a distal portion. The proximal end can be securable to a transdermal implant, and can extend proximally from the second plate. The distal portion can be opposite the proximal end, and the distal portion can be configured to interface with the proximal portion of the first plate. The breakaway connector can be couplable within the second plate and the first plate.

A variable stiffness leaf spring mechanism and method of locking parallel leaf springs allow for a wide range of stiffness settings in a low-mass package. By varying the number of parallel leaf springs as well as the thickness and stiffness of each layer the system stiffness and range of stiffness settings can be optimally tuned to each application. Additionally, by locking leaf springs without inducing large normal forces from a clamping mechanism, the frictional wear on the system is greatly diminished. In addition to increasing the life cycles of the system, this will decrease auditory noise emitted during operation. The system and method can be applied to lower extremity prostheses to allow for more biological emulation than passive prostheses in a lower mass package than powered prostheses.

An orthopaedic fixation assembly for prosthetic biologic attachment. The orthopaedic fixation assembly may include a main body with a longitudinally-extending stem having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity body. An anchor plug may be configured to be received within the stem cavity, and securable thereto via complementary mating surfaces. A spindle structure may be fixedly attached to the proximal end of the longitudinally-extending stem and protrude outwardly therefrom such that a portion of the structure extends externally beyond the resected cavity of the bone that may prevent rotational motion of the spindle. The spindle structure may have at least one compliant biasing member configured to apply a compressive force to the surrounding bone. A porous coating may be at the juncture between stem and spindle structure, on the spindle, and the splines and anti-rotation chocks, improving the initial stability of the implant and facilitating long-term bone ingrowth.