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UTX.2018.01
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1) initiële voetcontact
2) loading response
3) middenstandfase
4) eindstandfase
5) pre-zwaaifase
6) initiële zwaaifase
7) middenzwaaifase
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contradictory. To bend the knee (in the swing phase) you should stretch it (at the end of the stance phase). As a result, some users are
prematurely busy trying to flex the knee. Without bringing it into the required extension. As a result the hinge will not unlock. Moreover,
the extension of the knee in the second half of the stance phase is a normal physiological movement. Even at normal walking at this stage
extension of the knee occurs.
Gait cycle
Finally attention must be paid to not lifting the heel of the floor too early. It may happen that both the required conditions (ankle-dorsiflexion
and knee extension) are properly met. The knee hinge will therefore be in the unlocked position. Then, when the heel is lifted from the
floor without the knee first being flexed, the lock will automatically come into operation again. Because the leg is lifted from the floor the
dorsiflexion of the ankle will disappear. If the knee hinge is still in the position at which it can be locked (meaning still no knee flexion has
occurred), then the ratchet of the knee hinge will automatically fall back into its lock. The knee should be bent before the heel lifts off the
floor.
The ankle hinge has a spring mechanism that allows plantar flexion only after a certain threshold. This results in a uniform and controlled
plantar flexion that will bring the foot in full contact with the ground at initial contact. People with a foot drop can thus reduce the peak load
on the leg and show a more natural gait. In addition, the spring is strong enough to prevent a foot drop during the swing phase. Despite the
inhibition of the ankle hinge, it is sufficiently flexible so that people with mild spasticity also can use this provision without increasing the
spasm.
Pay attention when taking steep slopes or ramps. Unlocking is usually a little more difficult in that situation. At slopes that are too steep it is
advised to keep the leg locked.
Taking curbs or stairways is done in the same order as when walking with crutches. Going up, put the unaffected leg first on the next step;
then follow with the orthosis leg. Going down, step with the orthosis leg down on the next step and place the unaffected leg next to it.
Cycling (also at the home trainer) is certainly possible, if taken into account that the orthosis is not allowed to lock. The knee should not reach
full extension because otherwise it lockes. To prevent this, don’t put the saddle too high.
1) Initial contact 2) Loading response 3) Mid stance 4) Terminal stance 5) Preswing 6) Mid swing 7) Terminal swing
