Modular prosthetic sockets and methods for making same

Abstract

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 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A modular prosthetic socket device for a residual limb of a lower extremity, the device comprising:
 at least three longitudinal struts, each strut comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion and a telescoping mechanism disposed between the proximal and distal portions, configured to allow a strut height to be adjusted to match a length of the residual limb;   a distal base removably attached to distal ends of the at least three struts, wherein the distal base is removably attachable to multiple different sizes or shapes of struts; and   at least three brim members coupled with proximal ends of the at least three struts, wherein each of the brim members is disposed over one proximal end of one of the struts and does not contact the distal base.   
     
     
         3 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least three brim members comprise:
 an ischial brim member fitted over and surrounding the proximal end of a first strut of the at least three longitudinal struts, wherein the ischial brim member comprises a curved inner surface formed to match an ischial aspect of the residual limb;   an anterior-medial brim member fitted over and surrounding the proximal end of a second strut of the at least three longitudinal struts, wherein the anterior-medial brim member has a shape formed to match an anterior-medial aspect of the residual limb; and   a lateral brim member, fitted over and surrounding the proximal end of a third strut of the at least three longitudinal struts, wherein the lateral brim member comprises a curved inner surface formed to match a lateral aspect of the residual limb.   
     
     
         4 . A device as in  claim 3 , wherein the at least three longitudinal struts comprise four longitudinal struts, and wherein the at least three brim members further comprise an additional lateral brim member. 
     
     
         5 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the distal base is configured to couple with the struts at multiple different angles. 
     
     
         6 . A device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a distal cup positioned on the distal base and on an interior aspect of the struts. 
     
     
         7 . A device as in  claim 6 , wherein the distal cup is heat moldable to fit the contour of the residual limb. 
     
     
         8 . A device as in  claim 1 , further comprising an encircling band disposed around at least two of the brim members and configured for tightening or loosening the socket device relative to the residual limb without removing any parts from the encircling band. 
     
     
         9 . A device as in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 at least one additional encircling band attached to the struts around at least one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the struts; and   at least one adjustment member coupled with the at least one additional encircling band, to allow a user to adjust spacing between the struts and thus adjust an overall circumference of the socket device.   
     
     
         10 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the telescoping mechanism comprises a set screw for allowing adjustability of the strut height. 
     
     
         11 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the distal base includes at least three connection features disposed at spaced apart locations around a circumference of the base, and wherein each connection feature is configured for coupling one strut with the base, such that, when the socket is assembled, the socket does not have a continuous surface around the circumference of the base. 
     
     
         12 . A device as in  claim 11 , wherein the connection features are configured to couple with the struts at multiple different angles. 
     
     
         13 . A device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible liner arranged on an interior aspect of the socket, wherein the flexible liner is selected from a flexible liner inventory. 
     
     
         14 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the brim members are removably fitted over the longitudinal struts. 
     
     
         15 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the struts are moldable via application of heat to the struts.