Elan
3 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.
Key Features
- Microprocessor controlled self-aligning plantarflexion 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 plantarflexion 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 the ankle
- Increased dorsiflexion resistance provides a brake when walking down slopes for improved safety and stability
- Sandal Toe Foot Shell
Key Benefits
Standing Support Mode
When no movement is sensed, the hydraulics stiffen to assist with a natural standing posture, providing equal socket pressures.
Integrated Micro Connector
The refreshed design incorporates an integrated charging connector with a new LED battery power indicator.
Simplified Clinician Setup
The new software interface has been simplified and refined so that it is now easier than ever for clinicians to set up Elan.
Even Longer Battery Life
The battery life is now even longer with up to two days usage between charges and a low power mode.
Why Elan is Different
Ramp Brake
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.
Ramp Assist / Fast Walk
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 Support
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.
Swing Clearance
During swing phase, the ankle remains in a dorsiflexed position increasing toe clearance on every step and reducing the risk of stumbles or falls.
Scientifically Proven
Clinical Compendium
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:
- Greater comfort, reduced socket pressures
- Improved safety, reduced risk of trips and falls
- Smoother, easier and more natural gait
- More evenly balanced inter-limb loading
- Greater satisfaction
Clinical Evidence
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’.
Elan Technical Data
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.
Selection Guide
Click the image for full size version.
Foot Shell Width Guide
Click on the table below to help choose the correct width when ordering the new Sandal Toe Foot Shell. For sizes 25, 26 and 27 you can now choose between Narrow (N) and Wide (W) fittings.
Accessories
| Alignment Wedge | 940093 |
| Spare Battery Charger Kit | 409087E |
| Programming Tablet | 019179 |
Ordering
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.