Fitting Advice - Blatchford EchelonVac Instructions D'utilisation

8 Fitting Advice

The correct alignment (A-P position), range of motion (distribution of plantar flexion to
dorsiflexion) and adjustment of the hydraulic settings are critical in achieving a smooth roll over
and correct slope adaptation (see 6.3).
The user should feel the vacuum effect after taking approximately 15-20 steps depending on the
initial socket fit.
The springs for the device will be supplied assembled with heel and toe springs of the same
category. If after following the instructions below you still have problems with the function
please contact the sales team in your area for advice.
Any of the following:
• Incorrect spring selection
• Incorrect A-P shift alignment
• Incorrect distribution of plantar flexion and dorsiflexion range
will have a negative effect on function and stability.
Symptoms:
1. Sinking at heel strike
Difficulty in achieving a smooth
progression to mid stance
User feels they are walking up hill
or forefoot feels excessively long
2.
Progression from heel strike to mid
stance is too rapid
Difficulty in controlling the energy
return from the foot at the heel
strike (reduced knee stability)
User feels heel is too hard, fore foot
is too short
3. Heel contact and progression feel
OK but:
Forefoot feels too soft
Forefoot feels too short
User feels they are walking down
hill, possibly with reduced knee
stability
Lack of energy return
1. Increase plantar flexion resistance
2. Check A-P shift alignment; ensure foot is not too
anteriorly positioned
3. Check distribution of plantar flexion and
dorsiflexion movement; ensure that the plantar
flexion range is not excessive
4. Check spring category is not too soft,
if so fit a higher rate spring
1. Reduce plantar flexion resistance
2. Check A-P shift alignment; ensure foot is not too
posteriorly positioned
3. Check distribution of plantar flexion and
dorsiflexion movement; ensure that there is
adequate plantarflexion range
4. Check the spring category is not too high for the
weight and activity of the patient, if so fit lower
rate spring
1. Increase dorsiflexion resistance
2. Check A-P shift alignment;
ensure foot is not too posteriorly positioned
3. Check distribution of plantar flexion and
dorsiflexion movement; ensure that there is not
excessive dorsiflexion range
4. Check the spring category is not too soft for the
weight and activity of the patient, if so fit higher
rate spring
15
Remedy
938367SPK1/1-0121