Measurement Guide
above knee
below knee
The ALLELES Below Knee (BK) cover has been developed over the past few years with feedback from clinicians and clients alike to provide what we call a “prosthetically correct” look that works with your clients socket geometry, and restores the silhouette of the leg. One of the main benefits of an ALLELES BK cover is the ability for clinicians to make small modifications to the cover for a more customized fit.
We have tried to make measuring as quick and intuitive as possible, needing only the length and circumference to manufacture the cover. This makes ALLELES Below Knee covers a low time investment option for many clinicians, and an exciting finishing touch for their clients!
Our Below Knee Covers require two main measurements: The Length and Circumference.
AK length
The Length Measurement is taken from the apex of the knee unit, all the way down to the top of the footshell.
Using this as a starting point, remove half an inch to an inch to ensure that there will be a gap between the bottom of the cover & the top of the footshell. Typically, if the patient’s ankle is more dynamic, you will want to remove the full inch, whereas less mobile ankles will be fine with a half inch gap. The gap gives the prosthetic foot room to move without impacting range of motion. If the cover is too long, constant impact from the foot can crack the cover.
Keep in mind that the length measurement you provide will be the length that is manufactured, so please remove the gap before recording it in your order
AK circumference
For the Circumference Measurement, please measure the widest circumference of your patient’s sound limb (calf). This measurement will be used to create the outside circumference of your patient’s cover.
If a patient is a bilateral amputee, please feel free to select a size that suits them.
These two measurements will be the basis of the cover, and further adjustments can be made to accommodate any particular needs your patient may have.
BK length
The Length Measurement is taken from the Patellar Bar area of the knee, all the way down to the top of the footshell.
Using this as a starting point, remove half an inch to an inch to ensure that there will be a gap between the bottom of the cover & the top of the footshell. Typically, if the patient’s ankle is more dynamic, you will want to remove the full inch, whereas less mobile ankles will be fine with a half inch gap.
Keep in mind that the length measurement you provide will be the length that is manufactured, so please remove the gap before recording it in your order
BK circumference
For the Circumference Measurement, please measure roughly 4-5 inches below the Patellar Bar.
If your client wears a suspension sleeve, please measure over top of the suspension sleeve as it does add to the overall circumference measurement.
To ensure that the cover sits properly around the socket, this measurement will be used to create the inside circumference of your patient’s cover. Remember the cover is a hard plastic shell going over a hard socket. While we have worked hard on the BK shape to create as little bulk as possible, if your patient’s socket is already larger than their sound limb, the cover may restore shape and encourage symmetry, but will add size to the socket
To display the diagrams and required information, please select a tab from the list.
If you have a Polycentric Knee, please include the additional information listed below in your order:
• (1.): Knee Unit Measurement;
• (2.) Make & Model of Knee.
We will use the knee unit measurement to move the top strap below the knee mechanism so that there is no interference with the functionality of the knee
If you use a TOTAL KNEE please include the additional information listed below in your order:
• (1.): Polycentric Knee Unit Measurement
We will use the knee unit measurement to move the top strap below the knee mechanism so that there is no interference with the functionality of the knee.
*NOTE: we will change the top profile of the cover to sit below the Total Knee ‘Hammer’, UNLESS the ‘Heavy Duty’ Material is selected.
We will not require any additional measurements for TK Covers, but we will require that you mention that the cover will be used on a Through Knee Prostheses.
We do alter the shape of the cover and placement of the calf wings so that there is as minimal interference with the prosthesis as possible.
If you have a High Profile, Blade, Microprocessor, or Hydraulic Foot, please include the additional information listed below in your order:
• (1.): Measure from Top of Footshell to Top of Foot Unit.
We will make sure to move the bottom strap above the build height of the foot unit so that there is no interference with the functionality of the foot
To display the diagrams and required information, please select a tab from the list.
If you have a Release Button, Release Valve, Pinlock Button, or any geometry that protrudes out from the pylon or socket that could interfere with the cover, please include the additional information listed below in your order:
• (1): Measure from top of the footshell to center of release button;
• Include if button placement is: Medial, Lateral, or Posterior.
We will adjust the artwork on the cover and remove perforations in that general area.
No access holes will be manufactured on the cover. Adjustments ensure any holes drilled into the cover won’t affect overall integrity or leave unwanted edges.
**If you have a REVO Socket, covers will work best if the REVO Dial is mounted on the posterior distal end of the sockets. Our Covers already have an opening in the back that allows for easy access. If your dial is medial or lateral, or you have any concerns about overall fit, please reach out with photos PRIOR to ordering
If you have a High Profile, Blade, Microprocessor, or Hydraulic Foot, please include the additional information listed below in your order:
• (1.): Measure from Top of Footshell to Top of Foot Unit.
We will make sure to move the bottom strap above the build height of the foot unit so that there is no interference with the functionality of the foot.
If you have a Rotationplasty Prosthesis, please include the additional information listed below in your order:
• (1): Measure from tip of Pointed Toe to top of footshell;
• (2): Measure from just below the ‘Heel/Knee’ of the socket to the top of the footshell.
We have developed this shape to streamline the geometry of the rotationplasty set-up and make it feel less bulky and in turn more flattering.
Due to the length of a Symes Socket and the tapered shape of our covers near the ankle, we will only make covers for Symes prostheses with the Sport Back.
To help us determine whether our covers will be a good option for the socket shape you are working with, sending photos from the Front, Back, and Sides will help us see what additional adjustments may be required, or if this is a good option for you and your client
