When it is time to renew out of warranty prosthetic componentry, it’s a great opportunity for end users and clinicians to consider the possibility of upgrading from the current prescription in place. Many veterans have already been upgraded from a Genium to a Genium X3, as the Genium X3 wasn’t available when they first encountered their initial prosthetic provision some years ago. It’s also been common for clinicians to utilise this stage to formulate a new prescription regarding feet and other componentry. Below are examples of upgrades Ottobock have seen approved by the VPP in recent times that have allowed for further improvements in overall mobility and quality of life outcomes.
Feet:
Taleo 1C50: Suited to active individuals (K3 activity level) who navigate varied indoor & outdoor environments and place a high value on effortless walking and the ability to go wherever life takes them. Features include:
Smooth rollover due to no dead spots and easy rollover from heel strike to toe off.
Energy efficient walking that returns the energy suited to every varying step.
Terrain conformance to navigate on uneven and rising terrain safely and comfortably.
Waterproof incl. salt and chlorine water
Drainage holes in footshell
User weight limit up to 150kg / 330 lbs.
https://youtu.be/mBa1rrCnOhA
Triton side flex 1C68:
The Triton side flex was designed for active individuals (K3-K4) who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments, and place a high value on uncompromised response and control even when performing high-impact activities.
Features include:
Unique side-to-side flexibility of +/- 10° for immediate and full-ground contact while walking and standing, including on uneven surfaces.
An interconnected, linear spring design provides the level of mid-stance support needed for activities where responsiveness is essential.
For users with limited clearance/build height.
Waterproof incl. salt and chlorine water.
Robust and maintenance-free technology.
Suitable for a broad range of application, from everyday life to demanding professions and even leisure sports
https://youtu.be/VRvAjQgIAJg
Challenger 1E95: The Challenger is a multi-purpose foot developed for the varying demands from everyday walking to recreational sports. High deflection of the curved main spring along with the shock absorbing wedge unit provides excellent vertical shock absorption, which is desired for court sports like tennis or basketball, and energy return for activities such as sprinting and long distance running.
The base spring and interchangeable Vertical Shock Heel wedge unit allows for stability and control during rapid movements, while walking and standing.
Features include:
Two Vertical Shock Heel wedges for different functional dynamics included (total of 4 stiffness’s of vertical shock wedge units available).
No footshell required for more secure fit in shoe.
Waterproof incl. salt and chlorine water.
Shoehorn included to simplify changing shoes.
Shock absorption and energy return for dynamic performance.
Stable standing and walking due to base spring.
https://youtu.be/SlgQ-vfESoo
Microprocessor Feet:
Meridium 1B1: Where conventional mechanical prosthetic feet have always represented a compromise between flexibility and stability, electronically controlled ankle joints have until now enabled primarily slight, gradual adjustments to the user’s current gait behaviour. The Meridium is completely different, featuring an impressive range of advantages that offer the user a significantly more precise adjustment to the current situation. As a result, the user feels extremely safe and enjoys a more natural pattern of movement.
Features include:
Intelligent, real-time control.
36.5 degrees range of motion.
4-axis design adjusts itself immediately to the user’s walking speed and ground conditions, whether on slopes, stairs or varying terrain.
Improved ground clearance.
https://youtu.be/U5Ckjaxlpv0
Empower 1A1-2: The Empower is an innovation in the field of prosthetic feet. It is equipped with an active ankle joint, making it the only prosthetic foot with powered propulsion.
Features include:
Emulates the function and power of lost muscles and tendons in the anatomical foot.
Provides energy instead of taking it away – even up ramps, hills and stairs.
Life-like ankle movement that normalises users walking gait.
Clinically proven features including reduced joint forces which may reduce knee and lower back pain.
Adjusts ankle power, resistance, and flexion in real time.
Provides balance on variable terrain.
The latest Empower now has a Taleo Low Profile base spring for smooth rollover and optimal adaptation to varying ground conditions.
https://youtu.be/fjeYGf9lojA
When it comes to additional components that go hand-in-hand when upgrading prosthetic prescription, the below stand out above all the rest when we’re concerned about providing even further adjustability and independence for end users.
Quickchange Adapter 4R10=111: This lightweight, low profile and waterproof component allows the user to easily and quickly remove the foot from the prosthesis or be able to switch to a secondary foot for specialty applications, such as but not limited to shower feet, swim feet, sports feet, different heel height shoes, etc. Removing the foot can also help in tight situations or when changing clothes. The self-aligning design allows the user to change components without affecting alignment.
Rotation Adapter 4R57=WR: A must have waterproof component that fits above-the-knee to allow the flexed lower leg to be easily rotated out of the way. The rotation adapter makes everyday activities like driving a car, sitting at an office desk, putting on socks and shoes, or even checking on the battery status of your MPK effortless.