Otto Bock C-Leg User Manual

A: Charging the C-Leg
1. Basic Charging Every Night
Plug the charger into the wall. Connect the charger to
the C-Leg. The C-Leg will vibrate. When charging has
completed, the yellow light will turn off. Unplug the
C-Leg and it will beep. The C-Leg is ready for daily use.
B: Training for the Gait Functions of the C-Leg
1. Disengagement of Stance Flexion Resistance
It may be necessary to manually lower the maximum toe
load threshold. When manually adjusting the Maximum
Toe Load feature, have the user flex the knee when
they have full weight on the forefoot and the knee is
in full extension. This will show the user the condition
that must be met for stance to disengage in the C-Leg.
Next, have the user stand with their feet side by side
(and then repeat with the prosthetic foot out in front),
have the user try to flex the knee easily. Since it won’t
flex easily, the user will start to realize the criteria for
stancedisengagement.
2. Stumble Recovery
While manually adjusting the Stance Flexion Damping
feature, in the parallel bars, have the user put the
prosthetic foot in front and test the resistance of the
knee by flexing the knee. The knee should have a slow
enough yield so that the users will have enough time
to catch themselves in case of a stumble. Testing this
feature in this manner can build confidence in the
reliability of the Stance Flexion Damping feature.
3. Stance Flexion
Stance Flexion is the flexing of the knee at Loading
Response that occurs during normal gait. This motion
helps to absorb shock and keeps the body’s center of
gravity on a more natural sinusoidal pathway. The
Microprocessor Stance Control of the C-Leg allows
Stance Flexion to occur. For many experienced
amputees, Stance Flexion may not be a comfortable
feeling. This stems from the fact that with most
prosthetic knees, if the knee bends at Loading Response,
a fall is almost always imminent. Therefore, trust in
the reliability of the Stance Flexion Damping feature of
the C-Leg must be built-up over time. For many users
this only comes with use of the C-Leg in many different
situations. In many instances, Stance Flexion should
only be introduced to the user after they have been using
the C-Leg for some time.
Alignment is critical to achieving proper Stance
Flexion. If the alignment is too stable, Stance Flexion
will not occur. Shifting the knee axis further anterior
or dorsiflexing the foot may help to create a less stable
alignment. A less stable alignment has the added benefit
of making it easier to initiate Swing Phase.
Foot selection is another important component of Stance
Flexion. The softer the heel of a prosthetic foot (shorter
heel lever), the less the tendency is towards Stance
Flexion. A firmer heel of the prosthetic foot (longer heel
lever arm) will encourage Stance Flexion. For example,
the 1C40 foot has a very long heel lever to encourage
Stance Flexion. A longer heel lever is also useful to
preserve momentum early in the gait cycle, as the user
does not “sit back” on the heel of the foot.
4. Swing Phase Initiation
Because of the flexion resistance to either initiating or
proceeding through Pre Swing that is inherent in many
other prosthetic knee designs, many users may show
poor gait habits through this part of the gait cycle.
a. Un-weighting the Prosthesis
This deviation is especially seen in users who have
Quick Guide #3
C-Leg® User Training Overview
Ottobock · P 800 328 4058 · F 800 962 2549 · www.ottobockus.com
Use this guide as a checklist to ensure that all aspects of using the C-Leg have been reviewed with the user before
delivery of the C-Leg. Please remember to give the “User Information Sheet” to the patient.

Otto Bock C-Leg Specifications

General

Brand	Otto Bock
Model	C-Leg
Category	Medical Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Charging the C-Leg

Basic Charging Every Night

Guide for daily C-Leg charging procedure. Ensure yellow light off for completion.

Training for Gait Functions

Disengagement of Stance Flexion Resistance

Manually adjust toe load threshold to help user understand stance disengagement criteria.

Stumble Recovery

Test knee's slow yield in parallel bars to build user confidence in stumble recovery.

Stance Flexion

Explains C-Leg's Stance Flexion, shock absorption, and building user trust over time.

Swing Phase Initiation

Addresses user gait habits during swing phase and how C-Leg improves this.

Un-weighting the Prosthesis

User habit of forceful hip flexion during pre-swing, and how to retrain.

Excessive Force Used by Hip Flexors

Addresses forceful hip flexion in pre-swing and training to reduce energy consumption.

Swing Phase Limb Activity

Training users to avoid forceful hip flexion for full terminal swing extension.

Stance Phase Activities

Key training for stance control, covering stair descent and declines.

Stair Descent Step Over Step

Exercise for normal function and confidence in C-Leg's stance resistance.

Declines

Training users to descend ramps/hills by 'riding' the flexed knee.

Walking Backwards

Proper technique for walking backwards to avoid releasing stance flexion damping.

Using the Remote

Introduction to the C-Leg remote for unlocking advanced functions.

Switching between 1st and 2nd Mode

Instructions for switching between the C-Leg's 1st and 2nd modes via remote.

Enable and Disable Standing Mode

How to use the remote to enable/disable Standing Mode for knee flexion locking.

Change Swing Phase Dynamics

Using the remote to adjust swing phase dynamics: Standard, Comfort, Dynamic.

Alerts to the User and Safety Mode

Safety Mode

System switches to high safety/reduced comfort mode upon critical error.

Battery Empty Mode

C-Leg enters Battery Empty Mode when battery is nearly depleted.

Vibrations

C-Leg uses vibrations to alert user about battery status and temperature.

Battery Discharge Vibrations

Sequence of vibrations indicating battery charge level and impending depletion.

Hydraulic Cylinder Temperature

Pulse vibration alerts when hydraulic cylinder reaches 80 degrees Celsius.

Beeps and Vibrations

Alerts for malfunctions, programming, and mode changes in the C-Leg.

Malfunctions Alerts

Beeps and vibrations signal malfunctions; require immediate stop and check.

Basic Care of the C-Leg

Storing the C-Leg

Store C-Leg with hydraulic unit vertical when charging or not in use.

Avoid Exposure to Water and Other Fluids

Use silicone cap to prevent water damage; exposure voids warranty.

Avoid Strong Magnetic and Electrical Interference

Avoid strong magnetic/electrical sources that can cause false readings or damage.