Dynamic Modifications

The Niagara Foot's recognized weight limit for a M3 ambulator is 100 kgs. Heavier clients at lower M levels should be managed at the discretion of the Prosthetist.

The heel, Dynamic C Coil and Forefoot Levers throughout the Niagara Foot can be softened by reducing the Hytrel® thicknesses in the Niagara Foot Keel.

• This can be accomplished by using a wood rasp and or staged abrasive removal of the thickness indicators.
• Final finish must be smooth and notch free.

The Anterior-Posterior(A-P) positioning of the energy return foot may affect the speed with which the different stages are reached within the gait cycle.

• Shift the foot posterior or socket anterior if the mid stance position is reached too early.
• Shift the foot anterior or socket posterior if the heel-to-toe movement is too rapid.

If the heel is too stiff the patient may experience toe slap, minimum energy return, loss of prosthesis control and or knee instability.

• Remedies include moving the socket posterior, the foot anterior or softening the Heel Levers stiffness.
• Reduce the heel stiffness by removing Hytrel® thickness from the heel section. There are 4 levels of reduction adjustment.
• Reductions can be accomplished by using a wood rasp and/or mechanically using your shaft carver. Final finish must be smooth and notch free.

If the client feels that the toe is too stiff, dorsiflex the foot or move the foot posterior. If this does not give desired relief you may also soften the forefoot lever.

• Reduce the forefoot lever stiffness by removing Hytrel® thickness from the forefoot section. There are 5 levels of reduction adjustment. Remove one level at a time.
• Reductions can be accomplished by using a rough file and/or mechanically using your shaft carver.
• Final finish must be smooth and completely notch free.

Reduce the Dynamic C section stiffness by removing Hytrel® thickness from the Dynamic C Profile section.

• There are 4 levels of reduction adjustment. Reductions can be accomplished by using a rough file and/or mechanically using your shaft carver.
• Final finish must be smooth and in particular notch free.

It is not recommended that the original staged thickness profiles be exceeded. All reductions performed must consider reasonable weight and activity adjustments implemented by the practitioner. Take your time, you can always take more material off, you can't replace it!

While Dupont's™ Hytrel® polymer is not overly notch sensitive it is important to smooth out all modifications performed on the Niagara Foot Keel.

Removal beyond the thickness indicators voids all warranties on the foot.

Before the foot is dispensed place a very small amount of lithium grease between the horns and the platform.

It is natural for the top of the horns to be seated into the platform and washer to accommodate the clients gait pattern. Lubricant maintenance will reduce the wear and extend the keel's life span.

Lubrication can be repeated if the foot should give any undesired sounding. If sounding persists place the anti-sounding washer provided between the Horns and the 22 mm washer. If the horns have not seated into the foot bolt washer themselves you may need to relieve the inside edges of each horn to clear the 22 mm washer.

It is recommended that the registered Niagara Foot keel be inspected on a biannual schedule and maintained, as necessary, by a recognized & qualified Prosthetist and or their qualified technical representative.

  Niagara Foot Covers are available in sizes 24-28 CM, Light Tone (LT) and Medium Brown (MB).