HEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Lock/Release Mechanism
• Press the medial (inner) side of the Lock/Release button* to unlock
the ankle.*
• Adjust the ankle to the appropriate heel height by pressing on the toe
or heel (it is also adjustable by hand when the prosthesis is not fitted,
and resting on a table).
• The pylon or shin section should be perpendicular to the floor when
the foot is in the shoe.
• When appropriate heel height adjustment is achieved, press the
lateral (outer) side of the Lock/Release button to lock the ankle.
• Ensure the Lock/Release button is locked prior to weight bearing.
N.B. The Lock/Release button may be stiff at first, or when not used
for long periods of time. Pushing in and out several times will loosen
the button. Similarly, the ankle may also be stiff, and should be moved
up and down several times to loosen.
*N.B. The device CANNOT be used in the unlocked position for weight-
bearing.
N.B. An extension for the Lock/Release button should not be used, as it
may result in accidental release.
Users are asked to skip to the section entitled FOOT COVERS AND
SPECTRA SOCKS.
The following instructions are for the practitioner ONLY. The user is
advised NOT to attempt these adjustments.
BENCH ALIGNMENT (Figure 3)
• Fit foot with selected cover and shoe.
• Ensure appropriate angles (flexion/extension and abduction/adduction).
• Divide the foot cover into 3 equal portions.
• The load line should fall at the junction of the posterior and the
middle third portions as shown in figure 3.
• The 1/3 position is marked on the inside wall of the foot cover.
DYNAMIC ALIGNMENT
The heel stores energy after initial contact, slowly releasing it at mid-
stance. The forward momentum generated by this action results in the
toe being loaded for optimum energy release at terminal stance.
The heel-to-toe action can be influenced by:
• Anterior/posterior positioning of the foot.
• Dorsi-plantarflexion.
HEEL STIFFNESS
Heel too soft
Symptoms
• Foot comes to a flat position too early (user feels they are sinking
into a hole).
• Extra energy required to climb up over the toe.
• Toe feels too stiff.
• Knee may hyperextend.
Actions
• Shift socket anterior (or foot posterior).
7