Elan is a microprocessor foot that mimics natural muscle resistance and ankle motion by adapting hydraulic resistance levels to optimise stability when standing and walking, on slopes and uneven terrain. This encourages more symmetrical limb loading, faster walking speed and reduced compensatory movements. The ankle pivot point is optimally positioned close to the natural weight line for a more natural response through the gait cycle.
The result is smoother, safer and more natural walking, helping to preserve the body for the long term.
When no movement is sensed, the hydraulics stiffen to assist with a natural standing posture, providing equal socket pressures.
The refreshed design incorporates an integrated charging connector with a new LED battery power indicator.
The new software interface has been simplified and refined so that it is now easier than ever for clinicians to set up Elan.
The battery life is now even longer with up to two days usage between charges and a low power mode.
On walking downhill, lower plantarflexion resistance allows the foot to fully contact the slope sooner for improved safety and security. At the same time, increased dorsiflexion resistance provides a braking effect stabilising the user for a safer, more controlled descent.
When walking quickly or up slopes, the plantarflexion resistance increases allowing for more optimal energy storage and return. Combined with a softer dorsiflexion resistance, this aids forward momentum, body position and minimises the effort required to walk fast or uphill.
Standing for longer periods has also just got easier. A network of sensors detect the user is stationary, increasing resistance to help improve balance, stability, reduce effort and encourage a more natural posture.
During swing phase, the ankle remains in a dorsiflexed position increasing toe clearance on every step and reducing the risk of stumbles or falls.
Blatchford Biomimetic Hydraulic Technology mimics the dynamic and adaptive qualities of muscle actuation to encourage more natural gait. Multiple independent scientific studies, comparing Blatchford hydraulic ankle-feet to non-hydraulic feet, have shown:
Over a decade after challenging conventional wisdom, new scientific evidence continues to be published on the medical advantages of hydraulic ankles. Discover our White Paper ‘A Study of Hydraulic Ankles’.
Improvements in Clinical Outcomes using Elan compared to ESR feet
Improvements in Clinical Outcomes using Elan compared to non-microprocessor-control hydraulic ankle-feet
1. | Riveras M, Ravera E, Ewins D, Shaheen AF, Catalfamo-Formento P. Minimum toe clearance and tripping probability in people with unilateral transtibial amputation walking on ramps with different prosthetic designs. Gait & Posture. 2020 Sep 1;81:41-8. | |
2. | Johnson L, De Asha AR, Munjal R, et al. Toe clearance when walking in people with unilateral transtibial amputation: effects of passive hydraulic ankle. J Rehabil Res Dev 2014; 51: 429. |
Download Overview |
3. | Bai X, Ewins D, Crocombe AD, et al. A biomechanical assessment of hydraulic ankle-foot devices with and without micro-processor control during slope ambulation in trans-femoral amputees. PLOS ONE 2018; 13: e0205093. |
Download Overview |
4. | McGrath M, Laszczak P, Zahedi S, et al. Microprocessor knees with “standing support” and articulating, hydraulic ankles improve balance control and inter-limb loading during quiet standing. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2018; 5: 2055668318795396. |
Download Overview |
5. | Askew GN, McFarlane LA, Minetti AE, et al. Energy cost of ambulation in trans-tibial amputees using a dynamic-response foot with hydraulic versus rigid ‘ankle’: insights from body centre of mass dynamics. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 2019; 16: 39. |
Download Overview |
6. | De Asha AR, Barnett CT, Struchkov V, et al. Which Prosthetic Foot to Prescribe?: Biomechanical Differences Found during a Single-Session Comparison of Different Foot Types Hold True 1 Year Later. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2017; 29: 39–43. |
Download Overview |
7. | De Asha AR, Munjal R, Kulkarni J, et al. Impact on the biomechanics of overground gait of using an ‘Echelon’hydraulic ankle–foot device in unilateral trans-tibial and trans-femoral amputees. Clin Biomech 2014; 29: 728–734. | |
8. | De Asha AR, Munjal R, Kulkarni J, et al. Walking speed related joint kinetic alterations in trans-tibial amputees: impact of hydraulic’ankle’damping. J Neuroengineering Rehabil 2013; 10: 1. |
Download Overview |
9. | De Asha AR, Johnson L, Munjal R, et al. Attenuation of centre-of-pressure trajectory fluctuations under the prosthetic foot when using an articulating hydraulic ankle attachment compared to fixed attachment. Clin Biomech 2013; 28: 218–224. |
Download Overview |
10. | Bai X, Ewins D, Crocombe AD, et al. Kinematic and biomimetic assessment of a hydraulic ankle/foot in level ground and camber walking. PLOS ONE 2017; 12: e0180836. |
Download Overview |
11. | Alexander N, Strutzenberger G, Kroell J, et al. Joint Moments During Downhill and Uphill Walking of a Person with Transfemoral Amputation with a Hydraulic Articulating and a Rigid Prosthetic Ankle—A Case Study. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2018; 30: 46–54. |
Download Overview |
12. | Struchkov V, Buckley JG. Biomechanics of ramp descent in unilateral trans-tibial amputees: Comparison of a microprocessor controlled foot with conventional ankle–foot mechanisms. Clin Biomech 2016; 32: 164–170. |
Download Overview |
13. | Portnoy S, Kristal A, Gefen A, et al. Outdoor dynamic subject-specific evaluation of internal stresses in the residual limb: hydraulic energy-stored prosthetic foot compared to conventional energy-stored prosthetic feet. Gait Posture 2012; 35: 121–125. |
Download Overview |
14. | McGrath M, Davies KC, Laszczak P, et al. The influence of hydraulic ankles and microprocessor-control on the biomechanics of trans-tibial amputees during quiet standing on a 5° slope. Can Prosthet Orthot J; 2. |
Download Overview |
15. | Moore R. Effect of a Prosthetic Foot with a Hydraulic Ankle Unit on the Contralateral Foot Peak Plantar Pressures in Individuals with Unilateral Amputation. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2018; 30: 165–70. |
Download Overview |
16. | Moore R. Effect on Stance Phase Timing Asymmetry in Individuals with Amputation Using Hydraulic Ankle Units. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2016; 28: 44–48. |
Download Overview |
17. | Sedki I, Moore R. Patient evaluation of the Echelon foot using the Seattle Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire. Prosthet Orthot Int 2013; 37: 250–254. |
Download Overview |
18. | McGrath M, Laszczak P, Zahedi S, et al. The influence of a microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle on the kinetic symmetry of trans-tibial amputees during ramp walking: a case series. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2018; 5: 2055668318790650. |
Download Overview |
See all the Clinical Evidence for every Blatchford product in our Clinical Evidence Finder Tool.
Max. User Weight:
125kg*
275lb*
Activity Level:
3
Size Range:
22-30cm
Component Weight:
920g†
2lb†
Build Height:
170-175mm
6¹¹/₁₆" - 6⁵⁷/₆₄"
Heel Height:
10mm
*For weights above 125kg up to 150kg contact a Blatchford representative.
†Component weight shown is for a size 26cm without foot shell.
Alignment Wedge | 940093 |
Spare Battery Charger Kit | 409087E |
Programming Tablet | 019179 |
Example Order Number
ELAN | 25 | L | N | 3 | S |
Product Code | Size | Side | Width* | Spring Set | Sandal Toe |
*Narrow (N) and Wide (W) available for sizes 25-27 only.
For dark tone add suffix D.
Example: foot size 25, left, narrow, spring rating 3, sandal toe.