1. Evaluate the user's level of voluntary control, the user should be able
to maintain knee stability.
2. Use hip extension to maintain stability into stance.
3. Train the user to maintain normal step length on the sound side.
Precaution: Össur recommends that the initial assessment is completed
at the parallel bars.
Adjustments
Valve adjustment – F, H, E
For valve adjustment refer to Fig. 3.Use small flathead screwdriver for
adjustment.
Valve
Factory setting
F (8)
¾ open
H (9)
¾ open
E (10) 1 ½ open
• Preset swing flexion resistance, Valve F
• Sit patient on chair. Extend prosthetic knee. Let it fall into flexion.
• Increase resistance of Valve F until a small bump observed at 60°
flexion angle.
• If you observe excessive heel rise, increase resistance of Valve F until
heel rise has normalized.
• Use Valve H to smooth flexion resistance changes between initial
flexion and 60°.
• Increase swing extension resistance with Valve E until terminal impact
at full extension is reduced. Patient should feel a slight bump at full
extension.
• Fine tune Valves F and E until a smooth and secure gait pattern is
achieved for slow and fast walking/running speeds.
Caution: Excessive swing extension resistance will prevent knee from
moving into full extension.
Caution: Over tightening valves or flexing knee with all valves completely
closed may damage valves.
PRODUCT SPECIFIC TRAINING
Instructing new users is essential to achieve a successful rehabilitation.
For safety, initial adjustments and gait training should be done with
patient standing between parallel bars.
Level Ground Walking/Running
• Patient's center of mass must be close to pivot axis (3) of knee. In this
position, very little hip flexor effort is required to initiate knee flexion.
Knee flexion will be initiated through rotation of the hip as weight is
transferred onto the ball of the foot during terminal stance.
• Allow patient to stand in the parallel bars with their weight over the
ball of the foot. Initiate knee flexion with pelvic rotation and slight hip
flexion. Repeat several times.
Function
Affects swing flexion resistance from
60°–110°(fast walking and running only)
Affects swing flexion resistance from
0°–60°(slower walking)
Affects whole swing extension resistance,
110°– 0°
6