Mobility made possible.
Below Knee Prosthetic Limbs
Below Knee Prosthetics
Transtibial amputation is the "official" medical term for a "below knee amputation" or BKA. It is one of the most frequently performed limb amputations. It is amputation below the knee joint and above the ankle. BKA's are primarily performed because of diabetes, foot ulcers or trauma to the area of the limb.
Transtibial Amputation
The different parts of a prosthetic BKA include a suspension sleeve, socket (shin tube), pylon and prosthetic ankle foot.
The prosthetist will help fit the amputee for a prosthetic socket by taking a mould of the residual limb to make a precise fit.
Depending on the activity level of the amputee, and on other factors, the prosthetist will help you and the amputee decide what prosthetic ankle foot will work best for the amputee.
Look to Clinical Evidence to Help Decide
Clinical evidence can help you and the amputee decide which brand of prosthetic ankle foot is best for the amputee.
As you help the amputee with research on the artificial lower limbs on the market, read up on clinical outcomes to compare the different brands of prosthetic foot options. Clinical studies share the results of safety, mobility, energy expenditure, residual limb health, user satisfaction and more.
Ultimately, the amputee has the power to decide what brand of a lower limb prosthetic they believe fits their needs the best. The prosthetist can offer brand suggestions or different styles of prosthetic lower limbs, but the final decision is the amputees.
If the Blatchford's brand is not carried by the amputee's prosthetist, they can still request a Blatchford prosthetic. The prosthetist can contact Blatchford to set up an account and place an order.
Blatchford's Biomimetic Design is Second to None
Blatchford's 130 years of studying human biomimetic (mimicking nature) designs has provided us with the ability to mimic the natural function of the foot and ankle.
The Elan IC, an ankle foot we design and manufacture has been built to provide exceptional energy return to give stability on slopes, steps and uneven terrain. By enabling the amputee to distribute weight evenly when standing and walking, the result is a smoother, safer, more natural walking experience.
Please visit our page of "True Stories" to watch a short video about Sian, a wearer of Blatchford's ElanIC foot. She compares the ElanIC to previous prosthetic feet she has worn in the past.
Visit our online catalogue of lower limb prosthetics to learn more about our "below knee amputation" BKA prosthetic options.
Understanding Prosthetics
Whether you are helping a new amputee or have been helping amputee for awhile, prosthetic technology can be overwhelming. We explain some of the technology behind today’s prosthetics and how Blatchford uses the natural working of the human body to influence the design of our products.
Introducing
Elan
Microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle/foot for terrain response and speed control.
Features
• Microprocessor controlled self-aligning plantar flexion and dorsiflexion
• Standing support mode increases resistance when stationary to help improve balance, stability, reduce effort and encourage a more natural posture
• Variable response to speed changes
• Increased plantar flexion resistance allows for more energy storage and return when walking quickly or up slopes
• Ankle remains dorsiflexed during swing phase to increase toe clearance and reduce risk of trips and falls
• Batteries contained within ankle
• Increased dorsiflexion resistance provides a brake when walking down slopes for improved safety and stability
• Sandal Toe Foot Shell
Foot Shell and Glide Sock included.
Join Blatchford's Ambassadors of Mobility!
Our Ambassadors are busy telling their stories and helping others in their community. They are raising public awareness around limb loss and care about making a positive difference in people's lives.
They are inspirational, motivational and unstoppable positive forces in the lower limb amputee community!
Please consider joining our Ambassadors of Mobility! We'd love to have you share your experience as a caregiver in the amputee community!
The Blatchford Community
For over 130 years Blatchford has designed and produced some of the world's most advanced artificial limbs and mobility solutions. Learn more about resources available to help you and/or the amputee in your life!
