Otto Bock Helix3D 7E10, Instructions For Use Manual, Page: 46 / 356

46 | Ottobock Helix
NOTICE
Risk of damage caused by improper cleaning agents.
The use of aggressive cleaning agents must be avoided.
They may cause damage to bearings, seals and plastic parts.
Do not disassemble the joint! Please send the joint to Ottobock if any problems arise.
INFORMATION
This component has been tested according to ISO 15032 standard for two million load cycles. Depending on
the amputee's activity level, this corresponds to a usage duration of 2 to 3 years for a hip disarticulation or an
amputee with hemipelvectomy.
In general, we recommend annual safety checks.
INFORMATION
Due to the use of control functions which are performed hydraulically, movement noises may result when exopros­
thetic hip joints are used. This kind of noise is normal and inevitable. It generally does not cause any problems.
If the movement noises increase noticeably over the life cycle of the hip joint, the joint should be inspected im­
mediately by a prosthetist.
The manufacturer recommends having the Helix
3D
Hip Joint inspected and any adjustments required made after
it has been used for several weeks. After a certain adaptation phase, prosthesis wearers usually appreciate a
slightly higher extension resistance in the stance phase.
Please check the hip joint for wear and proper function once a year and make adjustments, if necessary. Special
attention should be paid to movement resistance, brake tolerance changes and abnormal noises. Full flexion and
extension must be guaranteed.
Do not disassemble the joint. Please send the complete joint to Ottobock for repair in case of problems.
4 Gait training
Prosthesis wearers can optimally benefit from the Helix
3D
Hip Joint's features only if they are properly instructed
and trained in walking. The following aspects are especially important for the gait training:
1. The prosthesis wearer walks with the hip joint flexed at heel strike; during the stance phase, the hip joint
is then extended controlled by resistance.
Unlike with conventional hip joints, the prosthesis wearer does not have to perform quick backward tilt of the pel­
vis. Hip joint extension can be controlled by resistance during the entire stance phase thereby reducing abrupt
backward tilt of the pelvis upon weight bearing. Especially to experienced prosthesis wearers this is unfamiliar in
the beginning and has to be practiced consciously.
2. The expansion springs facilitate initiation of the swing phase. Pelvic tilt can therefore be reduced.
Inform the prosthesis wearers that they have to perform only significantly reduced pelvic tilt to swing the prosthe ­
sis forward, because the Helix
3D
Hip Joint is brought into flexion by the expansion springs. The prosthesis wearer
must learn how far the prosthetic foot swings forward when the prosthesis is lifted by the expansion springs. This
is very important especially for waking down stairs, in order to be able to precisely place the foot.