FR2539616A1 - Flexible fitment used in prosthetics for a subject with a femoral amputation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to flexible fitments for subjects with femoral amputations, making the introduction of the stump easier, reducing rotations and loosening during sitting and providing more comfort when wearing the prosthesis. The fitment comprises a first support layer 1 coated with silicone, which, after polymerisation, will be covered with a reinforcement 3, a foam will be interposed between these two layers 1 and 3. The part 4 which will allow junction with the knee mechanism is solidly attached to 3. The upper portion of 1 will be covered circularly with a foam of variable density and thickness, depending on the weight of the patient and the stump, and becomes in the drawing 1 + 2. The assembly will be covered with a finishing layer, not shown in the drawing, of the same nature as 1. A tap or sucker 5 will enable, if air is needed to be flushed when the stump is introduced, then closed, the apparatus to be held more easily. Suspension (belt or strap), when necessary, will be fixed to the upper rigid portion 3.

Description

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FLEXIBLE PAD USED FOR PROTHETISATION
The present invention relates to the femoral socket, that is to say the part of the prosthesis intended to receive the thigh stump of an amputee.

 The femoral sockets used for the fitting of people with thigh amputations are currently made with materials giving a rigid form: - duralumin, wood, plastics and, a little apart, the leather and steel sockets.

The difficulties encountered by the amputee are as follows
- difficulty in introducing the stump into the mouth,
- rotation and release in a seated position,
- discomfort, especially in the elderly (arteritic).

 The shape of the muscle mass changes depending on whether people are standing or sitting. However, the muscular masses of a femoral amputee in his prosthesis can only be constrained during changes of position.

 The flexible femoral embout - according to the invention - makes it possible to reduce these difficulties.

 Only the lower and upper circumferences below the collar, and the lateral uprights will be kept rigid to ensure resistance, the anterior and posterior middle parts becoming flexible, being able to easily deform while ensuring the compression of the stump, the very upper part of the collar of the socket, flexible and well padded ensuring comfort.

 The attached drawings represent the anterior, internal, posterior and external faces of a straight femoral socket, the flexible finishing layer not being shown, in order to facilitate understanding.

 This socket will be made on a molding (corrected reproduction of the stump).

 A tubular jersey (cotton or polypropylene perlon) will be coated with a layer of silicone 1. After polymerization of this layer, 2nd coating of silicone, then the rigid part 3 will be threaded onto the molding covered with its first layer 1.

Part 3 is made of synthetic resin or metal frame, and between 1 and 3, on all the contacting surfaces, a thin film of foam padding - coated with silicone will be inserted. The upper part 3 never rises to the edge of the molding, the cuts being different depending on the stumps. Between the distance separating the upper edge 3 and the and the edge of the molding, the upper part 1 will be circularly covered with a foam whose thickness and density vary according to the weight of the patient and the stump. This part then becomes on the drawings: 1 + 2
This assembly will then be covered with a finishing layer produced by impregnating a jersey (nylon, cotton, polypropylene) of silicone.

 A primer, spread over the foams and the frame 3 will ensure a better bond between the first layer and the last.

 The lower part 4 represents a means of union of the socket with the knee joint, it is integral with the frame 3 in its lower part.

Operation
When the stump enters the embolture, the anterior 1 and posterior 1 middle parts tighten and the air - between the lower part of the stump and the lower internal part of the socket - is compressed, and escapes by a tap or a suction cup 5 if necessary.

When the stump is in place, the tap 5 is closed.

 The suspension (belt or suspender) when necessary, will be fixed on the upper rigid part 3.

 The socket, object of the invention, can be used for the fitting of thigh amputees, particularly in the elderly.

Claims (2)

 1. The flexible femoral socket consisting of a rigid frame 3 judiciously cut according to the different stumps, is included by means of foams between two layers of supports coated with silicone 1. The frame 3 is connected by an intermediate piece 4 knee block. A tap or a suction cup 5 will, if necessary, expel the air, especially when the stump is introduced into the embolism.  2. The socket is characterized by a flexible front and rear part which can deform and stretch and a flexible and compressible neck collar.