Modular prosthetic sockets and methods for making same

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method of assembling a modular prosthetic socket for a residual limb of a lower extremity, the method comprising:
attaching distal ends of at least three, longitudinal struts to a distal attachment member, wherein the distal attachment member is configured to couple with at least one of differently sized struts or differently shaped struts; and attaching at least two proximal brim members to proximal ends of at least two of the struts, wherein the proximal brim members do not contact the distal attachment member when the socket is assembled, wherein at least one of the struts, the proximal brim members or the distal attachment member is selected from a group of multiple struts, brim members or distal attachment members to provide the socket with at least one desired characteristic selected from the group consisting of a desired length, height, width, curvature, contour, conformability, flexibility, rigidity, durometer, elastic modulus, positional orientation, and angulation.