Healthcare professional and patient feedback delivers new foot prosthetic
Prosthetic giant Ottobock has launched a new prosthetic foot for active amputees, after gathering and using feedback from clinicians and amputees.
Developed to meet the specific needs of those who lead active lifestyles, the Taleo foot is aimed at those who want a product which provides effortless walking and freedom to go everywhere, says the company.
One of the first users in the UK to be fitted with the Taleo, Hannah Moore, world para-triathlon champion, commented: “I live a really active life so the fact that it is able to keep up with all the demands of everything I want to do and when I want to do it, is really great for me,” she said. “I also do a lot of open water swimming so the fact that it is waterproof as well is amazing.”
Boasting flexible, dual carbon springs, the IC50 Taleo allows for both a smooth rollover and dynamic gait pattern, according to Ottobock, with a springy and efficient return of energy at toe-off enabling users to cover longer distances while changing walking speeds.
Suitable for users weighing up to 150kgs, Taleo is capable of adapting to the user’s gait as a result of the prosthetic’s flexible connection of the springs at the forefoot, which ensures stable and comfortable walking on uneven or hilly terrain.
In addition, the new foot prosthetic comes with a broad range of heel wedges which can improve the comfort at heel strike by individually tailoring its shock absorbing properties notes the company.
Emma Gillespie, head of prosthetics at Ottobock, said: “We’re delighted to add Taleo to the Ottobock carbon foot portfolio alongside Trias and Triton, giving our more active customers a much more responsive walking experience, wherever they choose to go.”
Additionally, the Taleo incorporates a slim design to make it easier to create an attractive cosmetic cover, alongside featuring customisable heel dampening with three different stiffness options, and water runoff channels on the pyramid and drain holes in the foot shell to make it easier to clean.
Available in sizes from 22cm to 30cm, there are also alignment marks on the foot shell for prosthetists, simplifying the bench alignment procedure.
