Table of Contents
Advertisement
CAUTION
Improper use of the joint. Any kind of overloading or excessive strain as well as improper use can lead to
• defects and result in malfunction of the joint;
• loss of function due to structural failure; or
• defects on the battery and hydraulic damper resulting in leakage of liquid.
This can cause the patient to fall as well as result in skin irritation.
• The C-Leg was designed for everyday activities and must not be used for unusual activities such as extreme
sports (i.e. free climbing, paragliding, etc.).
• Careful handling of the prosthesis and its components not only increases their service life but, above all,
ensures your personal safety. Should the prosthesis be subjected to unusual stresses (such as a fall), immedi-
ately contact your prosthetist and have the prosthesis inspected for any damage. If necessary, the responsible
prosthetist will pass the prosthesis on to the Ottobock Service Centre.
CAUTION
Overheating of the hydraulic unit. Extended, continuous use (e.g. lengthy downhill walks) can lead to
• overheating of the hydraulic unit and result in malfunction of the joint; or
• defects on the hydraulic damper resulting in leakage of liquid.
This can cause the patient to fall as well as result in skin irritation. Touching overheated components can cause
burns.
• Pay attention to the vibration signals that will occur in such cases to alert you that there is a risk of overheat-
ing. As soon as these vibrations begin, all activities must be stopped and the hydraulic unit be allowed to cool
down. You may resume your activities once the vibration signals stop.
• If activities are continued despite the vibration signals, the hydraulic element may overheat and, in extreme
cases, lead to a damage to the C-Leg. The joint should then be sent to an authorized Ottobock Service for
inspection.
CAUTION
Risk of falling when walking backwards. When putting down the toe first when walking backwards, the
C-Leg® can switch from the high stance phase resistance to swing phase resistance. When the patient actively
flexes the hip joint at this point in time, this can cause the patient to fall. When walking backwards, secure the
joint actively with the residual limb muscles.
CAUTION
Risk of falling when going downstairs. When walking downstairs, the banister or handrail should always be
used and the prosthetic foot should be placed on the step so that the heel (max. centre of the foot) is close to the
edge of the step to facilitate rollover.
• Stop walking downstairs immediately whenever the sound warning beeps. Make careful tests to verify if the
stance phase stabilization is active (see Section 2.12 "Important User Instructions").
• Pay attention to the vibration and sound warnings (beeps) of the C-Leg.
• Special caution is required when walking downstairs while carrying children.
CAUTION
Non-active safety mode. If the safety mode can no longer be activated, there is the risk that the patient will fall.
If the C-Leg does not switch to the safety mode (e.g. due to short-circuit due to water penetration), the am-
putee must actively stabilize the C-Leg at heel strike with his/her residual limb muscles until a prosthetist can be
reached or a prosthesis replacement be accomplished.
8 Ottobock
C-Leg Prosthetic System
Advertisement
Table of Contents
