John,
We have had this same problem with Alps locks. The problem only occurs in an
unweighted condition. We have sent video tape to Alps showing the reverse
rotation of the clutch lock button over a 15 minute period and still they
deny there is a problem with the mechanism. I know there is another very
large prosthetic company who has experienced the same problem with Seattle
and Cascade. At least these companies have been responsible enough to
address the problem and have tried to resolve the issue. I have personally
recalled all of the Alps locks and replaced them with the with the Cascade
cartridges with the approval of Cascade. All seems to have been OK until
recently where one patient has complained of the same problem. That
cartridge was changed with another new Cascade and the problem is still
recurring. Dave Parrott at Cascade has been very helpful in trying to work
through this problem. I suggest that anyone else who is having similar
problems contact the manufacturer as this could potentially be a serious
liability threat to the industry.
Brian Gustin, C.P.
—–Original Message—–
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:[email protected]]On
Behalf Of John T. Brinkmann, CPO
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 5:10 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [OANDP-L] Clutch Lock Disengaging
Dear List Servers,
I have two patients with Cascade clutch locks (IRS-500-AK) that are
reporting frequent unlocking during knee flexion (while sitting). I
have used these locks for years and have not had this problem. In
both cases these sockets are only several weeks old. The problem does
not seem to be related to the entry hole widening. In one case the
prosthesis is for the right side, and in the other for the left, so
the position of the locking mechanism (anterior or posterior) does not
seem to be a factor. Any ideas?
