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C-Leg® User Training Overview Continued, page 4
C: Alerts to the User, Safety Mode
It is important to instruct the user regarding the various
alerts that the C-Leg system uses to inform the user
about the current state of the C-Leg.
1. Safety Mode
If a critical error occurs in the system, the C-Leg will
immediately switch to the Safety Mode. In that mode,
the prosthesis will not easily flex as it goes to "high
flexion damping," (high safety/reduced comfort). This
allows the user to walk even though the system is not
active. The switch to the Safety Mode will be announced
immediately prior to the switch with sound and
vibration signals.
2. Battery Empty Mode
The C-Leg automatically switches to Battery Empty
Mode when the battery is almost empty. In this mode,
the prosthesis either sets "high flexion damping" (high
safety/reduced comfort) or "low damping" (less safety/
higher activity). This allows the user to walk even though
the system is not active. The standard factory setting for
the knee joint is "high flexion damping." The prosthetist
is responsible for deciding whether the user can safely use
the "low damping" setting when the Battery Empty Mode
is active and manually sets high or low in C-Soft.
3. Vibrations
a. Battery Discharge
A series of vibrations are used by the C-Leg to inform
the user of the current charge state of the battery in the
C-Leg. The first warning is three short vibrations that
occur approximately one hour from the battery going
dead. The next warning is about one half hour later and
is five longer vibrations. The final warning occurs as the
C-Leg goes into Empty Battery Mode and consists of 10
long vibrations.
b. Hydraulic Cylinder Temperature
When the hydraulic cylinder of the C-Leg reaches 80
degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit), the C-Leg will
give a pulse vibration and will continue to do so until
the hydraulic unit cools 10 degrees Celsius.
Ottobock · P 800 328 4058 · F 800 962 2549 · www.ottobockus.com
4. Beeps and Vibrations
There are three instances when there will be both beeps
and vibrations in the C-Leg:
a. Malfunctions
The C-Leg will beep and vibrate when there is a
malfunction in the system and will attempt to go into
Safe Mode. The C-Leg should be sent into Ottobock for
service if the warning beeps and vibrations occur. It is
important to remind the user that if they are walking and
the C-Leg begins to beep and vibrate, they must stop and
test to make sure that Safe Mode has engaged.
b. Programming
Beeps and vibrations will occur in the C-Leg when initially
logging into the C-Soft program via the PC and also when
program changes are being made to the C-Leg.
c. Engaging and Disengaging 2nd Mode and 3rd Mode
When entering and leaving 2nd Mode and 3rd Mode
there will be a sequence of beeps and vibrations
that occur.
Remind the user that plugging the C-Leg into the charger
will automatically reset the C-Leg to 1st Mode.
D: Basic Care of the C-Leg
There is no maintenance necessary by the user when
it comes to the C-Leg. However, there are certain
guidelines that the user should follow to ensure proper
functioning of the C-Leg.
1. Storing the C-Leg
The C-Leg should be stored with the hydraulic unit in a
vertical position when charging or the prosthesis is not
in use.
2. Avoid Exposure to Water and Other Fluids
Use of the silicone cap (or the red plugs) will certainly
help to prevent water damage to the C-Leg. To help with
this, it is important to remind your user that either the
silicon cap (or the red plugs) must always be in place in
the C-Leg. It is also vital to remind the user that exposure
to water always carries the risk of damaging the C-Leg and
creating a malfunction. If the C-Leg is exposed to water
or other fluid, have the user dry the leg immediately and
bring the prosthesis in so that it can be sent to Ottobock
for service. Exposure to water voids the warranty.
3. Avoid Strong Magnetic and Electrical
Interference Sources
Since the C-Leg utilizes a magnetic sensor in the knee
to read knee angle, large magnetic interference sources
can cause false readings to occur. Strong magnetic or
electrical interference sources could also possibly cause
damage to the C-Leg and should be avoided. However,
we have had no reports of damage to the C-Leg due to
airport metal detectors.
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