Össur VARI-FLEX JUNIOR, Instructions For Use Manual, Page: 6 / 81

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BENCH ALIGNMENT (Figure 2)
• Fit foot with selected cover.
• Adjust to appropriate heel height (using the shoe).
• Introduce appropriate socket angles flexion/ extension and
abduction/adduction.
• Divide the foot cover into 3 equal portions.
• The load line should fall at the junction of the posterior and the
middle third portions as shown in figure 2
• The 1/3 position is marked on the inside wall of the foot cover
DYNAMIC ALIGNMENT
The heel stores energy after initial contact, slowly releasing it at
midstance. The forward momentum generated by this action results in
the toe being loaded for optimum energy release at terminal stance. The
heel to toe action can be influenced by:
• A-P positioning of foot
• Dorsi-Plantarflexion
• Heel Stiffness
HEEL STIFFNESS
Heel too soft
Symptoms
• Foot will come to flat position too early (amputee feels he/she is
sinking into a hole).
• Extra energy is required to climb up over the toe.
• Toe will feel too stiff
• Knee may hyperextend.
Actions
• Add polyurethane heel wedge
• Shift socket anterior (anterior or foot posterior).
Heel too hard
Symptoms
• Rapid heel to toe movement.
• At initial contact the amputee has poor control of his prosthesis.
• Minimal energy return feeling.
• Knee may become unstable.
Actions
• Shift socket posterior (or foot anterior).
HEEL WEDGES (Figure 3)
A wedge can influence the heel to toe function. Start altering the heel
resistance to improve foot response by adding a heel wedge.
Temporary Wedge Placement
• Cut the wedge to the width of the foot module
• Roughen the upper and lower surface of the wedge with abrasive
paper.
• Place the wedge in the angle of heel and foot module
• Secure in position with tape wrapped around the foot module
(Figure 4) .
Permanent Wedge Placement
• Apply adhesive on the lower side of the wedge only (1).