A flexible multi use post operative prosthetic socket system

Abstract

A prosthetic apparatus and system for a trans-tibial amputee consisting of a post-operative interface socket that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of an amputated limb and changes in size of the limb. The prosthetic apparatus includes a lower socket into which the post-operative socket can be inserted, the lower socket being adjustable for changes in size of the post-operative interface socket. The post-operative socket also has a removable upper back shell that immobilizes movement of the knee during an initial recovery phase but can be removed to allow the knee of the amputee to flex.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A single socket adjustable prosthetic system comprising:
 a) a first shell with an extended surface configured to fit against a first side of an amputee's limb, which surface terminates at its bottom in a base, said base configured to extend under the amputee's limb;   b) a second shell with an extended surface configured to fit against a second side of the amputee's limb; and   c) an articulated hinge connected at a first end to said first shell at said base of said first shell and said articulated hinge is connected at a second end to a lower edge of said second shell to thereby allow a space between said first shell and said second shell to be varied to accommodate swelling and shrinking of the amputees limb and hold said limb securely and comfortably.   
     
     
         2 . The single socket adjustable prosthetic system of  claim 1  wherein:
 a) said first shell is made of a semi rigid load bearing material and said bottom base is wide and wherein when said first end of said articulated hinge attaches to said base at an interior top surface of said base of said first shell; 
 b) a shaft connects at a top end to an outside bottom surface of said wide bottom base of said first shell and projects downwards from said base; 
 c) a prosthetic foot attaches to a bottom end of said shaft; 
 d) said second shell is made of a pliable and formable material; and 
 e) wherein when said system is attached to a remaining portion of a limb of the amputee said amputee can use said limb to stand and for mobility. 
 
     
     
         3 . The single socket adjustable prosthetic system of  claim 1  wherein:
 a) said articulated hinge has three plates, a center plate with a first end plate hingedly attached at said first end of said center plate and a second plate hingedly attached at said second end of said center plate; and 
 b) wherein said first plate of said articulated hinge attaches to said interior base of said first shell and said second plate of said articulated hinge attaches at a lower interior end of said second shell. 
 
     
     
         4 . The single socket adjustable prosthetic system of  claim 1  wherein said semi rigid load bearing material said first shell is made of is polypropylene and said pliable and formable material said second shell is made from is polyethylene. 
     
     
         5 . The single socket adjustable prosthetic system of  claim 1  wherein:
 a) the amputee has had a trans-tibial amputation and the first side of the amputee's limb is the front of the limb and the second side of the amputee's limb is the rear of the limb; 
 b) said second shell has an upper portion such that when said single socket is attached to the amputee's leg it prevents the amputee from bending of the knee of the amputee; 
 c) said first shell has an upper portion that covers and protects the knee of the amputee; and 
 d) a trim line can be cut that removes portions of the upper portion of the second shell and can remove portions of said upper portion of said first shell, to thereby allow the amputee to flex the knee when said single socket is attached to the amputee's leg. 
 
     
     
         6 . The single socket adjustable prosthetic system of claim of  claim 5  wherein the trim line cut of said upper portion of said second shell and said first shell is selected from the group consisting of: a supra condylar supra patellar (SCSP) trim line, a supra condylar (SC) trim line, and a patellar tendon bearing (PTB) trim line. 
     
     
         7 . The single socket adjustable prosthetic system of  claim 3  further comprising a hinge positioning and securing system wherein:
 a) said base of said first shell has a rim around a rear portion of said base opposite the connection of said extended surfaces connection to said base; 
 b) said hinged attachment of said first plate to said center plate is positioned at the base of said rim when said first plate is connected to said interior of said base; and 
 c) said center plate can be positioned at different positions from said rim by insertion of at least one wedge between said center plate and said rim.