PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC JOINT

Prosthetic or orthotic joint with at least two joint segments that are mounted rotatably to each other around a joint axis, and a pivotal piston mounted in torque-proof fashion in one of the upper or lower joint segments. The pivotal piston is received in a displacement chamber containing a fluid, with the pivotal piston subdividing the displacement chamber into two partial chambers that are connected with each other via a connecting channel at least across a selected pivoting angle range of the pivotal piston. At least one flow section determining contour is formed between the pivotal piston and one selected displacement chamber wall, which is in a fluidic connection with the connecting channel and the displacement chamber across a selected rotation angle. The contour also provides a varying free flow section for the passage of the fluid dependent on the rotational position of the pivotal piston.