Artificial limb socket containing volume control pad
View Patent ↗A volume control pad is provided for use in the socket of an artificial limb. The volume control pad has a core surrounded by a flexible shell. The core includes super absorbent polymer particles which form a gel Upon the addition of water thereto. The volume control pad includes a tube for the introduction of water into the core portion of the pad. The volume control pad provides a simple and inexpensive means for adjusting the conformance of the socket around the residual limb from an initial swollen condition to a further point in time in which the swelling has diminished.
1. A volume control pad for use in a socket of an artificial limb; said volume control pad comprising super absorbent polymeric particles encased within a core volume of a fluid impermeable flexible shell; and means for introducing fluid into said core volume containing said super absorbent polymer; wherein said core volume comprises an open cell structure with super absorbent polymer being contained within a volume of said open cell structure.
2. The volume control pad of claim 1 wherein said open cell structure comprises open cell foam having open cells containing super absorbent polymer therein.
3. The volume control pad of claim 2 wherein said super absorbent polymer is distributed through said open cells.
4. The volume control pad of claim 3 wherein said shell or said open cell foam is silicone.
5. The volume control pad of claim 4 wherein said super absorbent polymer comprises a salt of cross-linked polyacrylic acid/polyalcohol grafted copolymer.
6. The volume control pad of claim 1 wherein said means for introducing fluid into said core volume is selected from the group consisting of:
a) an orifice in said shell;
b) an integrated injection port comprising a vent or valve in said shell adapted for one way passage of fluid into said core; and
c) a self-sealing plug configured for insertion of a hollow needle therethrough into said core.
7. The volume control pad of claim 6 wherein said integrated injection port comprises a duckbill valve or a Luer valve.
8. In a socket of an artificial limb, said socket having a residual limb receiving opening at one end and a cup shaped interior which is shaped to receive the residual limb of an amputee; wherein the improvement comprises the volume control pad of claim 1 mounted in the cup shaped interior of said socket.