Adjustable Prosthetic Feet

[Christina HPMD]

At 07:07 AM 6/20/2001 -0500, you wrote:
> >From OANDP-L with permission of Kristin Bradley, C.P.
>
>Original query:
>-----------------
>
>Would you please pass along your thoughts on prosthetic feet with
>adjustable heel heights? I have never used them and actually only can
>think of 2 off the top of my head (Century XXII and the Masterstep).
>What are your thoughts? Are they reasonably priced? Are they worth the
>expense? Are they durable or do they tend to need more maintenance?
>
>Kristin Bradley, C.P.(a)(c)
>---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Wayne,

I appreciate this interesting exchange.  I was not aware of the breakage 
problem...thanks for the heads up.  Would you please forward my 2 
cents  back to the O&P and to Kristin.  One of these days, I will have to 
join their list.

Adjustable prosthetic feet,....this is very dear to my heart, I've been 
waiting for the Century XXII  for years.   I realize that I am not the 
norm,  a hemipelvectomy amp, for nearly 40 years, walk without aids, 
moderately active, work as an Anesthesiologist, wear leg average of about 
10-12 hrs/day, and have been using the Century XXII total concept for about 
16 months.  I have been very satisfied with this foot, and frankly I LOVE 
IT.   It has been a godsend and worth every penny to me.  As an educated 
consumer, a middle aged working woman and a shoe freak, I'm concerned BOTH 
with function and cosmesis.   I personally would recommend this foot to a 
specific sub group for the following  reasons:

In the past I used only the SACH foot, had 3 different ones to accommodate 
different heel heights.  Although this works, it is very inconvenient to 
remove leg, shoes and stockings to change heel heights...same for SAFE and 
Masterstep.  Practically speaking, it's a pain to carry around 
screwdrivers, wrenches, and extra feet.  The simplicity of pushing a button 
is wonderful and a major selling point.  The other feet mentioned require 
more work to adjust heel height.  They are either very complicated, 
expensive, impractical or heavy.  The more parts, usually the more 
expensive and difficult to maintain.

Although not quite as energy returning as some feet on the market, I have 
found it adequately energy efficient for my needs.  It is easy to walk 
over,  the plantar and dorsi flexion capabilities are adjustable for each 
clients personal needs, and it is "bouncy".  I am not an athlete, and know 
that there are many other more  "active" feet on the market.  I'm looking 
for a compromise....function vs. looks,  fashion, ease of changing shoes is 
important to me, and this is it's major selling point.  I cannot  run, 
simple walking and shopping for hours at a Mall is my idea of exercise.  I 
think I am more like your average client than the parolympic athlete.  This 
is not the foot of choice for a young, active, male BK, IMHO.

It is relatively lightweight, moderately priced and I personally have had 
no technical problems, such as squeaks or breakage.  We did however have 
problems in achieving a nice cosmetic finish with my standard foam 
cover.   I would like to see some improvement in this area.
I am lightweight...about 100 lbs, moderately active, probably more than 
most  gals(amps)  my age.  I would definitely recommend this foot to 
another woman who cares both about function and cosmesis.  Nothing is 100% 
perfect, but this suits my needs.   I would be happy to share my 
experiences with another gal or CP considering  this foot.

Parts is parts...sometimes you'll never guess what is really important to 
some of us amps.  My advice to you CP's is to evaluate  each clients needs, 
explain the pros and cons of these feet, for each clients needs, give your 
clients a choice, and let them make an informed decision.

Christina, HPMD
hemipelvectomy/doctor
www.hphdhelp.org
christina at hphdhelp.org.