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Abstract

A flexible external prosthesis formed by first creating a thin walled hollow elastomeric shell of the shape required for anatomical augmentation. The interior of the hollow shell is filled with a flexible foam body formed into the same shape. The foam is formed by either of two methods. In one method the same mold used to form the thin walled hollow shell is used again to shape the foam into the same shape as the hollow shell. The hollow prosthesis may then be opened, the foam body inserted and the shell resealed. In another method, the foam is injected into the hollow shell while it is contained in the mold. The foam is desirably a two-part material which chemically generates a foaming agent when the two parts are mixed together. The foam then expands into the interior of the hollow shell and assumes the shape imposed by the mold. The foam body is lubricated to ensure free movement of the shell with respect to the foam body, desirably using a triglyceride oil, such as soy bean oil. By using the foam body to support the hollow prosthesis shell, it is possible to make the thickness of the shell walls thinner and thus more natural in feel and appearance. The foam body is colored with an opaque pigment and the shell is colored with a translucent pigment.

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First Claim