Leimkuehler Orthotic-Prosthetic Center Inc.

27 Sep.,2022

 

single-axis articulated foot ankle assembly

For the amputee, there is a wide range of feet selection to accommodate almost every lifestyle.

As with other prosthetic componentry, advancing technology has expanded choices in prosthetic feet – from the basic SACH (solid ankle cushion heel) foot for walking to energy-storing feet for higher activity levels to microprocessor-controlled feet, which use advanced computer-controlled sensors that process information from both the individual’s limb and the surrounding environment to adjust to various needs.

While there is a prosthetic foot for seemingly every amputee, budgetary considerations sometimes come into play. Costs and insurance coverage can vary depending on the type of prosthesis and its function level. Medicare uses a system called K-levels to determine whether it will pay for a specific prosthetic foot, knee, or even shock absorber.

K-Levels are broken into four categories that characterize a lifestyle or potential functional level. When a patient is a new amputee, he may be functioning at a low level as he adjusts to his new condition; but if that person led an active lifestyle pre-amputation, there is every expectation that he can return to his previous activity level within a reasonable period of time. A patient knowing his or her K-Level classification can help to explain why a particular foot component is the right choice for that individual.