5.1.4 Dynamic Trial Fitting
•
Adapt the alignment of the prosthesis in the frontal plane and the sagittal
plane (e.g. by making angle or slide adjustments) to ensure an optimum
gait pattern.
TT fittings: Make sure that physiological knee movement in the sagittal
•
and frontal plane is achieved when the leg begins to bear weight after
the heel strike. Avoid medial movement of the knee joint. If the knee joint
moves in the medial direction in the first half of the stance phase, move
the prosthetic foot in the medial direction. If the medial movement occurs
in the second half of the stance phase, reduce the exterior rotation of the
prosthetic foot.
•
Remove the adapter cover from the prosthetic foot after completion of
the dynamic trial fitting and gait training exercises.
5.1.4.1 Optimising the heel characteristics
The heel characteristics are optimised by using heel wedges. In case the
heel strike or heel contact is too soft during the mid-stance phase, the heel
can be stiffened by means of a heel wedge.
Two heel wedges are available (transparent=soft, black=hard). Ottobock
recommends starting with the transparent heel wedge.
1) Align the recesses in the heel wedge, in the proximal and posterior dir
ections.
2) Slide the heel wedge into position between the attachment spring and
heel spring until it engages (see fig. 2).
3) To remove the heel wedge, push it out to the side.
5.2 Optional: Installing the foam cover
The foam cover sits between the prosthetic socket and prosthetic foot. It is
cut longer in order to compensate for the movements of the prosthetic foot
and prosthetic knee joint. During flexion of the prosthetic knee joint, the foam
cover undergoes posterior compression and anterior elongation. The foam
cover should be stretched as little as possible in order to increase its service
life. There is a connecting element (such as a connection plate, connection
cap or connection cover) on the prosthetic foot.
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