Method for Adjusting a Leg Prosthesis and Verifying the Adjustment, and Apparatus for the Measurement of Forces or Moments in a Leg Prosthesis

A method for verifying the adjustment of a leg prosthesis, wherein the leg prosthesis includes a prosthetic knee joint pivotally connected to an upper connection and a lower leg shaft, wherein the upper connection fixes the leg prosthesis on a user of the leg prosthesis and the lower leg shaft fastens to a prosthetic foot, and wherein the upper connection is displaceable in relation to a joint axis of the prosthetic knee joint, the method comprising:

• measuring a knee moment and an axial force by means of sensors when the leg prosthesis is being used;
• calculating a resultant force vector using the knee moment and the axial force;
• calculating a normal distance relative to the joint axis and the position of the resultant force vector in relation to the joint axis;
• and
• verifying a position of the resultant force vector relative to the joint axis in the sagittal plane.

A method for adjusting a leg prosthesis having a prosthetic knee joint pivotally connecting an upper connection for fixing the leg prosthesis on a prosthesis user and a lower leg shaft to which a prosthetic foot is fastened, wherein the upper connection is displaceable in relation to a joint axis of the prosthetic knee joint and/or the position of the prosthetic foot in relation to the lower leg shaft, the method comprising:

• measuring a knee moment and an axial force by means of sensors when the prosthesis is being used;
• calculating a resultant force vector using the knee moment and the axial force;
• calculating a normal distance in relation to the joint axis and the position of the resultant force vector in relation to the joint axis;
• verifying a position of the resultant force vector relative to the joint axis in a sagittal plane;
• and
• adjusting the upper connection in relation to an axis of the prosthetic knee joint and/or extension stops for the prosthetic knee joint and/or a prosthetic foot joint based on the position of the resultant force vector.

An apparatus for measuring forces or moments in a leg prosthesis having a prosthetic joint comprising:

• an upper part connectable to an upper connection for fastening to a user of the prosthesis;
• a lower part jointly connected to the upper part;
• connecting means for fastening the upper part to the upper connection;
• and
• means for detecting knee forces and moments provided on one of the connecting means and the upper part.