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UTX-ESC

Integration of an UTX SWING

with an AFO

Dynamic walking, even if the ankle needs some more support

The UTX ESC is a lightweight long leg brace (also called KAFO, orthosis, or splint). The UTX-ESC is an UTX-SWING integrated with an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO). The clever connection of the AFO to the UTX enables both the SWING function and optimal support of the ankle. Even with a somewhat stiffer AFO, the dynamic connection between the AFO and UTX provides just the amount of movement that is needed to make the UTX single hinge work in unlocking the UTX.

Thus, the UTX SWING can also be used if you just need some more control over the ankle foot region. For example, if a light spasm causes too much plantar flexion while for the use of the SWING at the end of the stand phase would require proper dorsi flexion (click for details on the UTX SWING mechanisms here).

For UTX STABIL and UTX FREE version there is an option without an ankle hinge: UTX-ESF. There is after all no connection needed between the ankle and knee, so the AFO can handle the stability around the ankle and the UTX does the rest.

Specifications
Symptoms
Support

Specifications of the UTX-ESC

The UTX ESC is an UTX SWING integrated with a plastic (polypropylene, PP) AFO

Stance control

Stable in the standing phase
Free during the swing phase

Ankle foot support

Supports a dropfoot
Supports a varus or valgus ankle
Supports a plantar flexion by the AFO
Can be combined with a stiffer AFO

Comfort

Lightweight
Soft strap at the back side
Comfort during sitting
Comfortable pelotes at the front on the upper leg
Good pressure distribution
Can be worn fully underneath clothing

Customization

Custom-made and therefore perfect fit
Modern photo-measurement technique, also for the polypropylene PP AFO
Adding a traditionally made cast model of a AFO is possible

Modern design

Straps in nice anthracite color
New pelottes

The UTX-ESC

UTX for people with weakened leg muscles

The UTX SWING is intended for people who suffer from reduced control over the quadriceps and, consequently, can no longer walk safely and stably. Common illnesses where this may be the case are (among others):

The UTX ESC is a SWING integrated with a PP AFO. That is why the above is also the case for the ESC. What the UTX ESC has in addition to the UTX SWING is the improved control over ankle and foot. The ESC also gives stability to valgus or varus of the ankle. In the case of spasm around the calf muscle, the ESC has sufficient control over plantar flexion to be able to walk safely and dynamically with the Swing function.

Not suitable in case of:

Overweight (> > 120 kg)
Knee flexion contracture > > 10°
Non-correctable valgus / varus> > 10°
Severe spasticity
Insufficient cognitive abilities

Order codes UTX for the professional

400404 | UTX FS module

400405 | DZ Module | left
400406 | DZ Module | right

600000 | AFO based on photo measurement

UTX Manual

Or download the manual here

Selection protocol

Soon you will be able to download the UTX selection protocol here if you want to know in detail whether a UTX is suitable in an individual case.
You can also schedule an appointment for a trial fitting.

Video manual

In this video you can see how the orthosis is put on. For more videos about using the UTX, you can visit our YouTube channel

Unlocking the UTX Swing orthosis

Manual unlocking of the UTX

Watch more videos on our YouTube channel

How does the UTX ESC work?

In the UTX-ESC, just like in the SWING, the knee joint is locked by a simple pawl mechanism. When the pawl falls into its locked position, the joint is secured, preventing any flexion (bending) of the knee joint. A spring pushes the pawl into this position.

Dorsal flexion leads to unlocking

The PUR suspension of the AFO allows just enough movement when the leg tilts forward to disengage the ankle joint.

The PUR spring attached to the AFO allows just enough movement in the forward tilt of the leg to release the ankle hinge.

Also with the UTX ESC, a combination of dorsal flexion and knee extension is required to unlock the knee hinge at the end of the stand phase (click here for more details). You would expect the AFO to cause problems now. After all, it has an effect on the dorsal flexion around the ankle. Still, with a stiffer AFO, the UTX ESC can only unlock at the right time.

Dynamic coupling

The Ambroise engineers designed a dynamic coupling between the AFO and the UTX. At the bottom pelotte carrier of the UTX, the AFO is attached via a Poly Urethane Rubber (PUR) spring (circled in the picture). As soon as the leg begins to bend at the end of the standing phase, there is just a little stretch on the PUR spring, even though the AFO is stiff. That bit is enough to put the SWING function into operation: A nice example of effective minimal engineering.