Clinical Experiences with the S.A.C.H. Foot Prosthesis

¹ Orthopaedic and Prosthetic Appliance Clinic, Veterans Benefit Office, Veterans Administration, Washington

The solid ankle cushion heel, or S.A.C.H., foot has proved to be a valuable component for lower-extremity prostheses; it can be used with all prostheses that require a full artificial foot.

There is significantly less irritation of the amputation stump with use of the S.A.C.H. foot, especially in below-the-knee amputees, because of the diminished torsion upon the stump and less jarring from heel impact.

The degree of comfort for the amputee using an artificial lower limb with a S.A.C.H. foot is increased as a result of the cushioned heel and smooth rocker action.

The continued use of an improperly aligned prosthesis often occurs with a conventional wooden foot which has become loose at the articulated ankle joint. Tightening and repairs to the wooden foot and ankle joint are often postponed or deferred by the amputee until stump irritation finally forces him to seek repairs; the skin ulceration or abrasion may then result in unnecessary deprivation of the use of the prosthesis until the stump has healed. Such problems are definitely diminished with the use of a S.A.C.H. foot.

The S.A.C.H. foot represents a significant advance in prosthetic research. It is now being prescribed extensively for all lower-extremity amputees, and appears likely to replace the wooden foot and articulated ankle joint as the conventional component for all lower-extremity prostheses.

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