Alignment device and method of artificial limb manufacture

Abstract

An alignment device is provided for an artificial limb and comprises first and second end plates fastenable to respective upper and lower parts of the limb in a predetermined angular and axial position. A flexible sleeve fastened between the end plates forms therewith an internal cavity for containing a body of settable fluid. When the fluid body is in a flowable state relative movement between upper and lower parts of the limb during alignment thereof are accommodated by flexion of the sleeve. When the fluid body is in a solidified state it establishes a rigid mechanical linkage between the end plates, thereby preventing relative movement of the upper and lower parts. Angular alignment between an end plate and an adjoining part of the limb is provided by pegs on one of said parts engaging sockets on the other of said parts. Radially flanged ends of the end plate and the adjoining part of the limb abut, and a releasable clamping band encircles the abutting flanges to hold said end plate and said adjoining part axially together. Cavity is air filled prior to use, and passages lead through at least one end plate to the internal cavity for introduction of hardenable material therein. Breather passages are provided for outflow of air from the cavity. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing an artificial limb, by fitting a temporary mechanical alignment device between a stump socket and lower parts of the limb, releasing a mechanism of the temporary alignment device, adjusting the relative positions of the stump socket and the lower parts in a jig, reclamping the alignment device and removing the limb from the jig so that the patient can test the limb. A permanent alignment device having the structure above described is fitted when the correct alignment has been obtained.