A preliminary clinical evaluation of the Mauch hydraulic foot-ankle system

A preliminary clinical evaluation was conducted by the United States Veterans Administration on eight prototype Mauch hydraulic foot/ankle systems over a period of two years (June 1977-October 1979). One above-knee, three below-knee, and one bilateral above-knee/below-knee subjects were fitted. Both of the above-knee amputees were Mauch S-N-S hydraulic knee users. The purpose of this study was: 1. To determine if this system provides the functions of the natural anatomical ankle around all three main axes; mediolateral, anteroposterior, and vertical. 2. To determine its applicability as to level of amputation, its benefits to bilateral amputees, and its compatibility with crustacean and pylon prostheses/standard knee designs. 3. To determine ease of installation, alignment, and adjustment procedures by a prosthetist and any new gait training techniques by a therapist. The results of the study revealed that this system does simulate the anatomical ankle in activities such as walking on uneven terrain, descending stairs step over step, running, ascending and descending inclines step over step, and a variety of sports activities including skiing. Fifty units have been produced and are being clinically tested in a nation-wide clinical application study conducted by the VA Rehabilitation Engineering Center (formerly V.A.P.C.).