Fitting Advice - Blatchford EliteVT Serie Instrucciones De Uso

8 Fitting Advice

The instructions in this section are for practitioner use only.
Springs are supplied as matched sets i.e. the heel, toe and axial springs are designed to work
together to give smooth progression for most users.
Heel Wedge
A heel wedge is supplied with the foot. Fitting the wedge will have the effect of stiffening the
heel spring. These can be taped in place for trial. For permanent fitting, wedges should be
adhered in place by application of Loctite 424 (926104) between the lower contacting surface of
the heel and the wedge.
Heel Stiffness
Progression throughout the stance phase should be smooth; heel function is key to this process:
• Too soft a heel or load line excessively posterior will result in sinking at heel strike and
difficulty in getting over the toe.
• Too hard a heel or load line excessively anterior will result in a rapid progression through
mid-stance or jarring at heel strike.
Axial Stiffness
The axial spring controls both compressive and torsional resilience. Typical vertical movement
should be between 3-6 mm for normal walking. Alternative stiffness springs are available if
required.
Heel too soft
Heel too hard
Toe/ Blade too soft
Note... Please contact your supplier if it is not possible to achieve a smooth gait after following the
advice above.
Symptoms
• Sinking at heel strike
• Difficulty climbing over the
toe (toe feels too hard)
• Rapid transition from heel
strike through stance phase
• Difficulty in controlling heel
action, foot jars into mid-
stance
• Foot feels too rigid
• Rapid progression through
mid-stance.
• 'Drop off' at higher Activity
Levels
1. Add heel wedge
2. Move socket anteriorly in relation
to the foot (excess movement may
result in drop-off )
3. If 1 and 2 fail, fit a stiffer spring set
1. Remove heel wedge (if fitted)
2. Move socket posteriorly in relation
to foot
3. If 1 and 2 fail, fit softer spring set
1. Move socket posteriorly in relation
to foot
2. Plantarflex foot slightly - note:
some re-alignment may be
required
10
Remedy
938289SPK1/1-0121