PROSTHETIC UNIT

摘要

A prosthetic unit in the form of an ankle unit comprises an ankle block (11) having a first end (12) and a second end (13): the first end (12) being adapted for attachment to, or for incorporation in, a socket for securing over a leg stump so as to establish a first longitudinal axis (L1), and the second end (13) defining a first bore (17) to define an ankle axis (18) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (L1) and a second, locating, bore (19); a foot member (20) defining a working surface (21) and a third bore (Y) and a second longitudinal axis (L3) defined by, or by way of, the working surface (21); stop means (24, 25, 40) whereby the foot member (20) can be aligned relative to the ankle block (1) in one of at least two positions; and a pivot member extending through the first bore (17) and third bore (Y) to enable the foot member (20) to rotate about the ankle axis (18). The stop means (24, 25, 40) comprises: a series of at least two recesses (24, 25) on the foot member (20), each recess (24, 25) being equidistant from the third bore (Y); and a locking member (40) extending through the second, locating, bore (19) and demountably engaging one of the recesses (24, 25) in the series so as to maintain the second longitudinal axis (L3) at a fixed angular alignment relative to the first longitudinal axis (L1). Typically the stop means comprises limit stops on either the foot member (20) or the ankle block (11) and an abutment on either the ankle block (11) or the foot member (20); the foot member (20) being free to pivot about the ankle axis (18) over an angle defined by the path over which the abutment can travel from a limit established by a first limit stop to that established by a second. If necessary the limit stops or the abutment or both can incorporate dashpot or cushioning means to avoid excessive impact between abutment and end stop.