Artificial limb socket containing volume control pad
AssigneeOssur Hf
InventorGudjon G. Karason
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Abstract
A volume control pad is provided for use in the socket of an artificial limb. The volume control pad has a core surrounded by a flexible shell. The core includes super absorbent polymer particles which form a gel upon the addition of water thereto. The volume control pad includes a tube for the introduction of water into the core portion of the pad. The volume control pad provides a simple and inexpensive means for adjusting the conformance of the socket around the residual limb from an initial swollen condition to a further point in time in which the swelling has diminished.
Claims10
A volume control pad for use in a socket of an artificial limb;
- said volume control pad comprising a core contained in a fluid-impermeable flexible shell;
- a tube attached to said flexible shell in fluid communication with said core for the introduction of fluid into said core;
- said core comprising an open-cell foam having open cells containing particles of super absorbent polymer therein.
A method for adjusting the conformance of a socket of an artificial limb around a patient's residual limb inserted within said socket, said process comprising:
- providing a volume control pad within said socket, said volume control pad comprising a core within a flexible shell with super absorbent polymer contained within said core;
- causing said super absorbent polymer to swell by introducing fluid within said core containing said super absorbent polymer so that said super absorbent polymer absorbs the fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.