Prosthetic limb monitoring system
US8951211B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/4585
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Parameters related to use of a prosthesis by a patient with a limb amputation are monitored using a tool that includes one or more piezoelectric force sensors. The resulting data are processed for use both in short and long term management of amputee patients. The sensor is a small modular unit that fits within or between traditional prosthetic components, e.g., below a prosthesis socket. The data produced by the tool are collected, processed, and stored. Optionally, the data are periodically communicated to a remote site via a network, e.g., over the Internet. The device and associated software used to process the data can be used to characterize activities conducted by a prosthesis user, to determine pistoning or threatening interface stress distributions between the limb and socket, mal-alignment of the socket, use of improper components, and other possibly undesired conditions that the amputee patient using the prosthesis may be experiencing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.