Memory plastics for prosthetic and orthotic applications

Memory plastics for prosthetic and orthotic applications.

Shrink forming prosthetic sockets from memory plastics offers several advantages over existing techniques. The manual skill requirement is reduced relative to drapeforming flat sheet while compared with the Rapidform process, the requirement for a purpose built vacuum forming machine is eliminated. Two methods for producing thermoplastic sockets from heat shrinkable preforms are described. One ...

Prosthetic and orthotic resources for communicating

Edward D. Lemaire, PhD; M. Jason Highsmith, DPT, CP; Wieland Kaphingst, Dipl -Ing Communication is an essential component for high-quality healthcare interactions. While the benefits of patient-practitioner communication have been well documented [1–2], the importance of interpractitioner and clinicianresearcher communication must also be considered. The field of prosthetics and orthotics is an...

Patient-Adaptive Prosthetic and Orthotic Leg Systems

Two computer-controlled devices for leg rehabilitation are presented: 1) an external knee prosthesis for trans-femoral amputees; and 2) a force-controllable ankle-foot orthosis to assist individuals suffering from drop-foot, a gait pathology resulting from muscle weakness in ankle dorsiflexors. Here muscle-like actuators and biologically-inspired control schemes are employed to enhance patient ...

A method for location of prosthetic and orthotic knee joints.

2 Chief, Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N. C; Chief, Orthopedic and Prosthetic Appliance Clinic Team, Veterans Administration Hospital, Durham, N. C. When it is necessary to use a mechanical knee joint, whether it be in a below-knee prosthesis or a long-leg brace, ideally there should be no relative motion between the patient's limb and the appliance during its use....

Future Developments in Externally Powered Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices.