Adapter bracket for prostheses, method and apparatus for forming prosthetic device with transfer of proper alignment

Abstract

A method of forming a prosthetic residual limb test socket utilizes an adapter bracket having generally smooth sidewalls in which a corresponding plurality of removable posts are received. The adapter bracket is secured to a model of the residual limb of a patient, and a socket forming material is applied about at least a portion of the model and the adapter bracket. The socket forming material covers the plurality of removable posts but not the lower mounting face of the adapter bracket. The adapter bracket is removable and reusable. In a further aspect, a method is provided for forming a prosthetic residual limb socket based upon a test socket, in which a casting anchor is positioned within the test socket, the casting anchor being engaged with an alignment member extending out through a hole in the test socket. A molding material is introduced into the test socket so as to at least partially encase the casting anchor, and the molding material is allowed to set to form a model. The test socket is separated from the model and the casting anchor is disengaged from the alignment member. An adapter bracket having at least one through-hole is then placed adjacent the model and the alignment member is introduced through the at least one through-hole in the adapter bracket and into engagement with the casting anchor to position the adapter bracket relative to the model. A prosthetic residual limb socket is then formed about the model and adapter bracket, the alignment member is disengaged from the casting anchor, and the prosthetic residual limb socket is separated from the model.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.