DE3303870A1 - External artificial member, for example leg or arm prosthesis - Google Patents

Description

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids · Patent attorney ■ Bierstadter Höhe 15 · P.O. Box 5105 ■ 6200 Wiesbaden 1 · Φϋ "(0 6121) 56 2022

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The invention relates to an external artificial limb, for example a leg or arm prosthesis, with an upper and a lower component and an alignment coupling between the upper and lower components and a connecting device to hold the components and the alignment coupling together.

Various outer artificial limb alignment couplings are known and in use to provide an upper and lower limb to adjust the lower part of the artificial limb and to align it correctly against each other. For example is it is known, in the case of a leg prosthesis extending up to above the knee, the alignment coupling between the upper side a knee joint mechanism and the lower end of a thigh component. Correspondingly, at of a prosthetic leg extending below the knee, the alignment coupling between the lower end a component forming the stump receptacle and the remaining shin piece that connects the stump receptacle with the foot. Furthermore has at a known alignment coupling a coupling part has a concave upper surface with a convex lower surface of the thigh component is matched, as well as a flat lower surface that sits on a flat upper side of the knee joint mechanism. This well-known alignment coupling allows various adjustment movements to be made and takes up relatively little space between the thigh component and the knee joint mechanism, which is an important factor in some cases. This well-known alignment coupling however, allows adjustment of the angular setting only between the coupling and the thigh component due to the convex and concave surfaces sitting apart. However, they do not allow adjustment the angle adjustment between the knee joint mechanism and the coupling. Another shortcoming of this well-known alignment

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids - Patent Attorney · Bierstadter Höhe 15 - Postfach 5105 · 6200 Wiesbaden 1 - Q? (0 61 Zl) 56 20

coupling is that it is necessary to move the coupling and the knee joint mechanism sideways relative to each other, about the adjustment of the vertical axes of the thigh component and knee joint mechanism (and with the latter in relation to the tibia component) to each other. This can be for a closed one outer cover shell, as it is used nowadays for prostheses, be annoying.

In other known constructions, the change in the angle is part of the thigh at both interfaces and knee joint mechanism with an alignment coupling possible. However, these do not offer other constructions the important possibility of housing in a minimal space between the thigh component and the knee joint mechanism. They also have the further shortcoming of a complex, elaborate structure.

The object of the invention is to provide an external artificial limb which is as similar as possible to those set out above Fixes deficiency.

According to the invention is characterized for solving this problem an external artificial limb of the type indicated in the opening paragraph in that i) the lower end of the upper component and the upper end of the lower component are both convexly curved; ii) the alignment coupling on its upper side and its lower side is curved in a concave manner, essentially matching the curvature of the convexly curved ends; iii) the ends and the alignment coupling have openings through which the connector engages, and iv) the Openings in the ends are formed with such dimensions that they can be adjusted to desired relative Allow positions of the upper and lower component to each other.

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids Patent Attorney Bierstadter Höhe 15 PO Box 5105 6200 Wiesbaden 1 ® (0 6121) 56 20 22

The invention can preferably be used with leg prostheses, both with those that extend up to above the knee as well as those that only extend below the knee. The connecting device can be a bolt or pin that engages through the openings to lock the two components and the alignment coupling in the desired position Clamp together alignment position. In this way, simply by loosening the bolt or tenon and Manipulating the two components of the artificial limb and the alignment coupling various settings and. Position adjustments are made. For example, the upper and lower part of a leg or Arm prosthesis by mutually adjusting the respective angles on the upper and lower side of the alignment coupling can be adjusted to one another with little or no effect on the prosthesis cover. The single ones Convex and concave surfaces can preferably be partial spherical surfaces.

Although the invention is also intended, in particular, for use at the knee-thigh connection in leg prostheses it can also be used in other areas, for example for amputations through the hip joint Knee joint amputations and Syme's amputations can be used.

The alignment coupling can be formed with a small thickness between the two convexly curved component ends. This is particularly advantageous for those cases in which the available height is low. Should on the other hand for some other reason, greater distance between the upper part and the lower part of a Artificial limb are required, an alignment coupling according to the invention can be used at any time has greater axial length.

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids · Patent Attorney · Bierstadter Höhe 15 · P.O. Box 5105 · 6200 Wiesbaden 1 · ® "(0 61 21) 56 20

Embodiments of the invention are described below explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a part of a leg prosthesis extending to above the knee joint in the forward-backward plane;

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the housing provided in the example in FIG. 1 for the knee joint mechanism; FIG.

3 shows a part of a leg prosthesis extending below the knee in section

position similar to that of Figure 1; and

4 shows a side view of a modified alignment coupling according to the invention.

In the drawing, Figure 1 shows an embodiment for a Leg prosthesis for patients amputated above the knee. The prosthesis has an upper or thigh component 1, a lower or tibia component 2 with a housing 3 for the knee joint mechanism and an alignment coupling 4. A connecting device 5 in the form of a bolt clamps parts 1, 3 and 4 in a desired manner mutual alignment of thigh component 1 and shin component 2 together.

According to Figure 1, the thigh component and the Shin component 2 in a position with maximum linear forward adjustment and maximum initial flexion of the thigh component with respect to the tibia component 2. The "maximum linear forward adjustment" refers to the maximum amount of forward (i.e. to the right in Figure 1) adjustment movement of the normal vertical thigh axis 1A with respect to a vertical plane 3B through knee axis 3A. The maximal

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids · Patent attorney ■ Bierstadter Höhe 15. P.O. Box 5105 6200 Wiesbaden 1 @ (0 6121) 56 20

Exit Flexion "refers to the angle between the normal vertical thigh axis 1A and the actual one Thigh axis 1A in Figure 1. The "linear displacement" and "exit flexion" settings are made made by means of the connecting device 5, which is carried out by i) an opening 8a in the lower, convexly curved end 8 of the thigh component 1, ii) an opening 9a in the upper, convexly curved end 9 of the housing 3 for the Knee joint mechanism (which is attached to the tibial component 2) and iii) a through hole or opening 4A engages in the alignment coupling 4. The openings 8A and 9A are preferably circular and are, as shown in FIG Drawing can be seen, each formed with a considerably larger diameter than the bolt of the connecting device 5. It is also to be understood that after loosening a nut 5A, the thigh component 1 and the shin component 2 with housing 3 can be set in a required or desired mutual alignment position can, after which the nut 5A is to be tightened again to the components in the required or desired Fix position. The circular holes can also be used for adjustment in the medial-lateral plane, such as through the angles A and B indicated in Figure 2 are made.

From FIG. 1, which shows the prosthesis in the maximum possible forward linear displacement in the fore-and-aft direction it can be seen that with a smaller amount of such linear displacement or with non-linear displacement a somewhat greater degree of maximum output diffraction can be achieved. With maximum linear displacement can an output diffraction of 5 ° can be achieved in the illustrated embodiment, while in the case of non-linear displacement an output diffraction of 8 ° can be achieved.

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids · Patent Attorney · Bierstadter Höhe 15 · PO Box 5105 · 6200 Wiesbaden 1 · S? (0 6121) 56 2022

The housing 3 contains a knee joint mechanism (not shown), the conventional structure may have. A kneecap element 6 lies against the inside of a die Leg prosthesis enveloping cover 7, which can be of known type. The kneecap element 6 is in the tibia component at 6A 2 pivotally mounted and a spring 6B holds the tibia component 2 with the patella member 6 engages and causes the patella member 6 to engage a cam surface 6C on the housing 3 so that the The kneecap element 6 is withdrawn when the prosthetic leg is flexed about the knee joint axis 3A. This arrangement improves the appearance of the cover 7 in every position of the prosthesis.

A control mechanism 10 for the knee joint, which can also be of known type, is between the articulation points 1OA and 1OB attached. It can belong to one of various types of such control mechanisms and operate with pressure medium or mechanical in nature. He can counteract an oscillation phase control of the prosthesis or locking device Bending the prosthesis around the knee joint axis included.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, this is convexly curved upper end 9 of the lower part formed by a cap part of the housing 3 for the knee joint mechanism. A Slot 9B allows the insertion of a tool for loosening or tightening the nut 5A which is in engagement with a washer 9C is sufficiently large in diameter to always over the edge of the opening 9A on the upper Grab the end of 9.

The alignment coupling 4 is formed by an upper part 4B and a lower part 4C, which can be separated by pins 4D are connected to each other. The parts 4B and 4C are circular, plate-shaped disks, around concave upper and

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids · Patent Attorney · Bierstadter Höhe 15 · PO Box 510S · 6200 Wiesbaden 1 ■ S? (06121) 56 20

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to form lower surfaces of the alignment coupling 4. As can be seen, the vertical height of the alignment coupling is 4 very little so that the alignment coupling 4 has very little space between the ends 8 and 9 of the thigh component 1 or shin component 2 occupies. Each of the parts 4B and 4C of the alignment coupling 4 has a recess 11 (see also FIG. 4) to accommodate a respective support 12 made of non-slip material. Each of these requirements is, as shown, concave. The bolt of the connecting device 5 has a hexagonal head 13, which on a plate-shaped washer 14 is, which is sufficient Dimensions have to always go beyond the edge of the opening 8A onto the lower end of the thigh component 1 to grab. Preferably, the bolt of the connecting device 5 is threaded through 13A and (not shown) Glue is firmly connected to the washer 14.

The convexly curved surfaces of the ends 8 and 9 and the concavely curved surfaces of the alignment coupling 4 are preferably but not necessarily, partially spherical (dome-shaped). The center of curvature 15 of the end 8 lies - as shown - on the thigh axis 1A.

The movement of the curved surface of the end 8 on the alignment coupling 4, as shown by moving the bolt of the connecting device 5 within the opening 8A loosened nut 5A is possible, allows the angular adjustment of the thigh component 1 (initial flexion, Direction of extension, direction of abduction, direction of adduction) and rotation adjustment around its axis. The movement of the with curved surface formed end 9 on the alignment coupling 4, which is made possible by moving the bolt of the connecting device 5 within the opening 9A, Allows adjustment of the extension limit for the knee joint mechanism. Combined movement on both

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids · Patent Attorney ■ Bierstadter Höhe IS · PO Box 5105 · 6200 Wiesbaden 1 · ® "(0 6121) 562022

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Surface of the ends 8 and 9 forms a linear displacement of the axis of the thigh component 1 with respect to the Shin component 2. By varying the settings between the thigh component 1 and the shin component 2 one can make combinations of angular adjustment and linear displacement both in the fore-and-aft plane as well as medial-lateral plane and relative rotation of thigh component 1 and shin component 2 achieve in order to optimally adapt the prosthesis to the requirements of the respective patient.

The opening 8A is preferably larger than the opening 9A in order to adjust the output diffraction at the limit of the to enable linear displacement. The centers of the openings 8A and 9A can be opposite to the longitudinal axes of the Thigh Component 1 and Shin Component 2 be offset so that the possible setting range can be best used to meet normal requirements to meet the prosthesis. Thus, in the case of FIG. 1, the centers of the openings 8A and 9A can be on the front-rear planes lie through the longitudinal axes of the thigh component 1 and the lower leg component 2, wherein however, the center of the opening 9A lies in front of the vertical plane 3B through the knee joint axis 3A.

The alignment coupling in the leg prosthesis shown results the setting adjustments, such as those between a thigh stump recording and the adjacent distal part of the prosthesis are required. In this embodiment According to the invention, this distal prosthesis part is the knee joint mechanism and the tibial component of a prosthetic leg extending above the knee.

The alignment coupling can, however, also be used in other places, for example below the knee. For one prosthetic leg extending above the knee

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids Patent Attorney - Bierstadter Höhe IS PO Box 5105 6200 Wiesbaden 1 © (06121) 56 20

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an adjustment for the extension limit can also be provided, which is therefore not necessarily in the knee joint mechanism must be provided.

An embodiment with application to one up only Leg prosthesis extending below the knee is shown in FIG. This is generally similar to the embodiment according to Figure 1 with the exception that different upper and lower components are used. Is natural no knee joint mechanism is provided, and the convexly curved upper end 9 is on the lower tibia | 1 22 educated. The upper part 4B of the alignment coupling 4 is smaller in this case than in the embodiment according to FIG formed, as well as the washer 14. The upper part of the leg prosthesis is in this case the lower leg stump receptacle 21.

Figure 4 is a view of the alignment coupling 4 as used in the embodiment of Figure 3, however with a spacer 23 between parts 4B and 4C of the alignment coupling to increase its height for such cases enlarge in which this is necessary. The same spacer could also be used, if necessary, in the alignment coupling 4 of the / embodiment according to FIG will. Spacers of different sizes or more than one spacer can be provided. Using One or more spacers, of course, a longer bolt in the connecting device 5 is to be used.

The adaptation of the residual limb length is always a particular problem, especially when the prosthesis parts are of limited size connected within a knee joint mechanism. The invention therefore offers the possibility of the required Settings and adjustments with minimal installation height requirements. Linear displacement is achieved through the use of combined angular

Dipl.-Phys. Heinridi Seids. Patent attorney ■ Bierstadter Höhe IS. P.O. Box 5105 - 6200 Wiesbaden 1 & (0 6121) 56 20

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movements created instead of a flat sliding movement. This also makes a smooth prosthesis cover possible and facilitates adjustment in a closed cover sleeve. The usage a single alignment coupling between two curved sliding surfaces, namely an alignment coupling that is coupled by a single connecting bolt or connecting pin, reduces the required installation height and makes it possible to reduce the outlay on equipment to a minimum.

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PATENT ADVERTISING DIPL-PHYS. HEINRICH SEIDS

6200 Wiesbaden 1 Bierstadter Höhe 15 P.O. Box 5105 Telephone (06x21) 562022 Postal check Frankfurt / Main 181008-602 Bank Deutsche Bank 306571 Nass. Sparkasse 120040995

Wiesbaden, February 3rd 1983 B 765 VNR: 107565 S / ha

Chas.A. Blatchford & Sons Limited Lister Road, Basingstoke Hampshire, UK

External artificial limb, such as a prosthetic leg or arm

Priority: United Kingdom,

British patent application No. 82 04239 dated 02/12/82

List of reference symbols

1 thigh component 1A normal vertical axis

1B actual vertical axis

2 shin component

3 Housing for knee joint mechanism 3A knee joint axis

3B vertical plane through 3A

4 Alignment coupling 4A opening in 4

4B upper part of 4

4C lower part of 4

4D tenon

5 connecting device 5A nut

6 kneecap element

6A pivoting attachment of

6B spring

Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids. Patent attorney · Bierstadter Höhe 15 · P.O. Box 5105 · 6200 Wiesbaden 1 · Q? (0 6121) 5620

6C cam surface

7 cover

8 lower end of 8A opening in FIG

9 top of 9A opening in FIG

9B slot

9C washer

10 Steering mechanism 1OA pivot point

10B pivot point

11 recess

12 edition

13 hexagon head of the bolt by 13A thread

14 washer

15 Center of the bulge of

21 Image of the stump of the lower leg

22 lower tibia

23 spacers

A angle

B angle

Blank page

Claims (10)

-V -, ^.-:.: ^ ~~ O ■ '■ - 3au3.8-7.a ~. PATENT ADVOCATE DIPL.-PHYS. HEINRICH SEIDS 6200 Wiesbaden 1 · Bierstadter Höhe 15 · PO Box 5105 · Telephone (06121) 562022 Postsdiedc Frankfurt / Main 1810 08 - 602 · Bank Deutsdie Bank 306 571 ■ Nass. Sparkasse 120 040 995 Wiesbaden, February 3rd 1983 B 765 VNR: 107565 S / ha Chas. A. Blatchford & Sons Limited Lister Road, Basingstoke Hampshire, UK External artificial limb, such as a prosthetic leg or arm Priority: United Kingdom, British patent application No. 82 04239 dated 02/12/82 Claims Mi / Outer artificial limb, for example a prosthetic leg or arm, with an upper and a lower component and an alignment coupling between the upper and lower component, as well as a connecting device for holding the components together with the alignment coupling,
characterized in that
i) the lower end (8) of the upper component and the upper end (9) of the lower component are both convexly curved; ii) the alignment coupling (4) is curved concavely on its upper side and its lower side, essentially matching the curvature of the convexly curved ends (8,9); iii) the ends (8, 9) and the alignment coupling (4) openings (8A, 9A, 4A) through which the connection ^: - ':: -' * ::: 3 3ΙΠ 8 7 Ω. Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids · Patentanwalf-'Bierstadfer Hohe "15 · Pb5tfach * 5105 · 6200 Wiesbaden IT® * (p6T2T) 5520 direction (5) takes effect, and iv) the openings (8A, 9A) in the ends (8, 9) are formed with such dimensions that they Allow adjustment of desired relative positions of the upper and lower components to one another. 2) Artificial limb according to claim 1, as a prosthetic leg with Knee joint, characterized in that the lower part is a shin bone (2) and the convex part upper end (9) on a housing (3) for the knee joint mechanism is trained. 3) Artificial limb according to claim 1, as a leg prosthesis for patients amputated below the knee, characterized in that that the lower part is a lower shin part that connects the upper part with a foot (22) and that the convexly curved upper end (9) is formed on this lower tibia part (22) is. 4) Artificial limb according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective bulges on the lower end (8), the upper end (9) and the upper and lower sides of the alignment coupling (4) are part spherical. 5) Artificial limb according to claim 1, characterized in that the openings (8A, 9A) in the ends (8, 9) are circular are. 6) Artificial limb according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening (8A) in the lower end (8) is larger Diameter than the opening (9A) in the upper end (9). Dipl.-Phys. Heinrich Seids ■ Patent attorney · Bierstadter Höhe 15. P.O. Box 5105 · 6200 Wiesbaden 1 · ® "(0 6121) 56 2022 7) Artificial limb according to claim 1, characterized in that that the alignment coupling (4) has an upper and a lower part (4B, 4C), the upper part (4B) have a concavely curved upper side and the lower part (4C) have a concavely curved lower side. 8) Artificial limb according to claim 7, characterized by a spacer (23) between the upper part (4B) and the lower part (4C). 9) Artificial limb according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective concave upper and lower sides the alignment coupling (4) each has a support (12) made of non-slip material attached to it. 10) Artificial limb according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting device is formed with a head Includes screw bolts with a nut and that one of the components has an opening for inserting a tool for loosening and tightening the nut.