Advice On Optimal Orthosis Functionality - FIOR & GENTZ NEURO MATIC Manual De Instrucciones

13. Advice on Optimal Orthosis Functionality

Problem
The system joint does
not lock.
The system joint
locks unintention-
ally in slightly flexed
position.
32
Cause
As the patient's steps are not long enough, the
patient sets the whole foot's sole on the floor
first and not the heel. Thus, the plantar flexion
is not initiated and the system joint does not
lock.
As the patient bends the upper body forward
far too much, which causes a compensatory
flexed position of the knee, the patient sets the
toes or the whole foot's sole on the floor first
and not the heel. Thus, the plantar flexion is
not initiated and the system joint does not lock.
These are typical gait characteristics in patients
who depend on orthopaedic devices such as
crutches, walkers or parallel bars.
As the used leg length compensation is insuf-
ficient, the patient sets the toes or the whole
foot's sole on the floor first and not the heel.
Thus, the plantar flexion is not initiated and the
system joint does not lock.
The wire is too short.
The patient has pulled out the cable cover.
The extension stop damper is too long. Ven-
trally, an instant before heel strike, you can see
an obvious opening between upper and lower
part of the system knee joint.
The patient's leg is extended by a high mo-
mentum. If the leg comes into full extension
before the heel touches the floor, the lower leg
bounces off the extension stop into a slightly
flexed position. Ventrally, an instant before heel
strike, you can see an obvious opening between
upper and lower part of the system knee joint.
Solution
Gait re-education for the patient!
Gait re-education! Teach the pa-
tient to walk as upright as possible.
Correct the used leg length com-
pensation.
Mount a longer wire.
Reinsert the cable cover into the
cable cover conduit and check the
basic alignment.
Cut the extension stop damper.
Gait re-education! Teach the
patient a harmonious and natural
swing phase. In terminal swing, the
heel should be about to touch the
ground.