MODULAR PROSTHETIC SOCKETS AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME
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.
1 . A modular prosthetic socket for a residual limb of a lower extremity of a patient, the modular prosthetic socket comprising:
multiple longitudinal struts arranged longitudinally with respect to the residual limb, each strut having a distal end and a proximal end;
a distal attachment member coupled with the distal ends of the four struts;
a proximal brim coupled with the four struts at or near their proximal ends;
at least one sensor coupled with at least one of the struts, the distal attachment member or the proximal brim, for sensing at least one of a force, a torque, a load or a pressure applied to at least one portion of the prosthetic socket by the residual limb; and
a microprocessor operably coupled with the at least one sensor for processing data sensed by the at least one sensor.
2 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism coupled with the microprocessor to adjust the prosthetic socket according to instructions provided by the microprocessor.
3 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 2 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a rotary tensioning mechanism and a tensioning cable for tightening and loosening the modular prosthetic socket, and wherein the microprocessor is directly coupled with the rotary tensioning mechanism.
4 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 3 , wherein the microprocessor and the rotary tensioning mechanism are coupled with one of the struts.
5 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 2 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a phase change material, a rheo magnetic fluid material, a ratcheting device a pulley system, a heating member and electrical current member.
6 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 2 , further comprising an encircling band around the proximal brim, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a tensioning mechanism coupled with the encircling band and configured tighten or loosen to adjust tension imparted to the struts.
7 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 6 , further comprising an additional encircling band attached to the struts, wherein the adjustment mechanism further comprises an additional tensioning mechanism coupled with the additional encircling band, to adjust spacing between the struts and thus adjust an overall circumference of the socket device.
8 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 2 , further comprising a flexible inner liner arranged on an interior aspect of the socket, wherein the flexible inner liner enhances pressure distribution by interfacing with the residual limb
9 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 8 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a side-mounted ratcheting lanyard suspension mechanism coupled with the flexible inner liner.
10 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 1 , wherein the proximal brim comprises:
an anterior-medial proximal brim member coupled with the proximal end of one of the struts and fabricated for an anterior-medial aspect of the proximal brim;
an ischial proximal brim member coupled with the proximal end of another of the struts and fabricated for an ischial aspect of the proximal brim; and
two lateral proximal brim members fabricated for the proximal ends of another two of the struts and fabricated for two lateral aspects of the proximal brim.
11 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, an inclinometer, a gyroscope, an in-line load cell, a pancake load cell, a rotary shaft torque sensor, and a flush threaded pressure sensor.
12 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 1 wherein the distal attachment member includes four connection features disposed at spaced apart locations around its circumference, and wherein each connection feature is configured for mounting the distal end of one strut onto the distal attachment member, such that, when the socket is assembled, the socket does not have a continuous surface around the circumference of the distal attachment member.
13 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 1 , wherein the struts are moldable via application of heat to the struts.
14 . The modular prosthetic socket of claim 1 , further comprising a suspension mechanism for the socket, wherein the suspension mechanism is configured and arranged to support maintenance of the prosthetic socket on the residual limb.