Study on a Prosthetic Foot With Adjustable Heel Height

The amputation or absence of a lower limb affects both mobility and appearance, which can lead to restrictions in social, family, and professional participation. The choice of prosthetic components aims to compensate as effectively as possible for the functional and physical disability, in line with the patient's expectations and life plan.

The prosthetic foot is a key component of the prosthesis. Most feet have a fixed heel height-most often around 10 to 15 mm-which requires users to always wear shoes with the same heel height, since prosthetic alignment, essential for harmonious and safe walking, is set accordingly.

A fixed heel height is a significant constraint for many users who wish to wear different types of shoes for aesthetic reasons (e.g., city shoes or pumps for work or going out; flip-flops or flat ballet flats in summer), for safety reasons (e.g., boots for motorcycling or gardening), or to be able to walk barefoot (e.g., at home). The ability to choose one's clothing freely is an important aspect of coping with a physical disability.

The Taleo Adjust is an energy-storing and energy-returning prosthetic foot with a hydraulic ankle that allows the user to adjust the heel height from 0 to 7 cm, depending on the type of shoe worn. Thanks to this articulation, prosthetic alignment is preserved and walking quality is not compromised.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of an adjustable-heel-height foot on physical appearance and participation.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patient with a major lower limb amputation whose life project includes:
• movement in buildings other than the home (ICF d4601),
• movement outside the home and other buildings (ICF d4602),
• and other specified activities related to movement in other various places (ICF d4608).
• Patient who has been using an Enregy storage and Return (ESR) foot for at least 3 months
• Patient who wishes to walk with shoes with different heel heights, and/or barefoot

Exclusion criteria

• Patient with a high impact level (e.g.: sport)
• Patient with hip disarticulation or equivalent
• Patient with an unstabilised residual limb and/or an unsuitable socket
• Patient who cannot be fitted with a Taleo Adjust foot due to the technical characteristics of the product (user weight greater than 115kg; required foot size <22 or >28; mounting height less than 118 mm)
• Patient whose usual foot has a heel height adjustment system
• Patient unavailable for the duration of the study and/or unable to understand the instructions and/or answer questionnaires in French
• Patient already participating in another study
• Patient in an emergency situation or pregnant woman