Custom-fitted prosthetic socket devices and methods for producing same

摘要

Methods of producing a custom-fitted prosthetic socket device for a residual limb include covering the distal end thereof with a liner, positioning the covered end within a socket cup to maintain a spaced relationship between the exterior of the liner and the interior of the socket cup, introducing an expandable, hardenable filler material into the socket cup, expanding the material to fill the volume between the liner and the socket cup, hardening the material, and removing the socket cup, hardened filler material, and liner, from the residual limb. Some methods include a filler material that hardens into a flexible solid foam cushioning layer which may optionally form a bond between the socket cup and the liner, embedding the liner in the cushioning layer. Some methods include selecting a socket cup from a plurality of sized socket cups, and/or providing the plurality of sized socket cups.

主权项

1. A method of producing a custom-fitted prosthetic socket device for a residual limb,
the method comprising:
covering at least the distal end region of the residual limb with a residual limb liner;positioning the covered distal end region of the residual limb at least partially within a socket cup, so that a spaced relationship between the exterior surface of the limb liner and the interior surface of the socket cup is maintained, the socket cup being fabricated from a rigid material and having a floor and a wall, a top edge of the wall forming an opening at a top end of the socket cup;introducing an expandable, hardenable filler material into the socket cup;expanding the filler material to fill the volume between the exterior surface of the limb liner and the interior surface of the socket cup;hardening the expanded filler material to a hardened condition; andremoving the socket cup, the hardened filler material, and the limb liner, from the residual limb.