Blatchford Elan IC Foot/Ankle

Published , Updated , by Wayne Williams in Category: Bionic Leg / Foot, Mobility
Blatchford Elan IC Feature Image

The Blatchford Elan IC has all of the attributes of its sister product, the Elan Microprocessor Foot. And its new induction charging technology allows it to be completely sealed from the elements, making it waterproof.

What’s On This Page?

A Quick Look at the Elan IC

The following video provides a quick look at the Elan IC:

In case you’re wondering, the main differences between the Elan and the Elan IC are the IC’s induction charging and waterproof capabilities. But it is still their core features, especially the ability for users to achieve a smooth gait over varied terrain, that impress us the most.

Elan IC’s Key Features

Ankle Range of Motion (ROM)

The reported ankle ROM for the Elan IC is only 9 degrees, which is the lowest of all bionic foot/ankle systems.

However, this is not the total ROM, as the foot’s flexibility is also a factor. Nor is it the full story, as the Elan IC focuses more on managing dorsiflexion and plantar flexion resistance during the Stance Phase of each step than it does on actively managing ankle rotation.

Ankle Accommodation

The Elan bionic feet/ankles are the only ones to use both within-step and inter-step ankle accommodation strategies.

Within-step systems adjust the angle and resistance of the ankle to match the terrain during the Stance Phase of each step. Inter-step systems make their adjustments during the Swing Phase, i.e. between steps.

The disadvantage of using an inter-step strategy alone is that it takes several steps before the system adjusts to changing terrain.

Because the Elan IC already uses a within-step strategy and it already maintains dorsiflexion during the Swing Phase to improve toe clearance (i.e. it keeps the toes pointed up), we’re not sure why it also uses an inter-step strategy. We have asked Blatchford but the company views this information as proprietary. If you require a more in-depth explanation, please ask your prosthetist.

Electric Propulsion

The Elan IC does not augment push-off with electric power but it does optimize energy storage and reuse through its carbon fiber foot.

The only bionic foot/ankle currently on the market that augments user power with electric power is Ottobock’s Empower model.

Sensor and Microprocessor Capabilities

Blatchford does not disclose details of the Elan IC’s sensors and microprocessor(s). All we know is that the IC uses a “network of sensors” to continuously monitor the user’s position and movement.

We normally put significant effort into describing the benefits of a foot/ankle’s microprocessor capabilities but, in this case, Blatchford has created four short videos that do a better job of describing these benefits better than we ever could:

Note Blatchford’s emphasis on the level of resistance applied to both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in these videos. The ankle’s angle of rotation is mentioned only for clearance during the Swing Phase.

The broader benefits of the Elan IC’s microprocessor system are:

  • improved shock absorption;
  • improved balance and stability;
  • reduced socket stress;
  • reduced compensatory demands on other joints and the back;
  • better load distribution between two legs;
  • a smoother, more natural gait;
  • faster maximum walking speed;
  • reduced energy requirements.

In other words, not only does it improve the daily lives of users regarding comfort, capabilities, and energy conservation. It also reduces long-term body wear and tear.

Batteries

The Elan IC requires 5.5 hours to fully charge, and that charge lasts roughly 48 hours depending on activity levels.

Most notably, the Elan IC uses induction charging, as shown in this video:

Water and Dust Resistance

The Elan IC has an IP rating of 67, meaning it is considered both waterproof and dustproof. It can be submerged in water up to a depth of one meter for as long as 30 minutes.

Device Weight & User Weight Limit

The Elan IC weighs 1.00 kilograms without a foot shell, 1.24 kilograms with a foot shell.

The maximum user weight for the Elan IC is 125 kilograms.

K-Level Rating

The Elan IC is rated for low-to-moderate-impact K3 use. It is not intended for high-impact sports, such as running, basketball, etc.

For a thorough understanding of K-levels, please see the Amputee Coalition’s web page on this topic.

User Software

We are unable to find end-user software for the Elan IC, though there is a software interface for clinicians to configure the device.

Consequently, it appears that users are unable to create different settings for different shoes or to exert any personal control over ankle stiffness settings. This suggests that the Elan IC can only be configured for one heel height and that users must visit their prosthetist’s office to change this. It is best to confirm this with your prosthetist.

Warranty

The Elan IC offers a three-year manufacturer warranty, matching that of the Elan Foot, Ottobock’s Empower Ankle, and the Freedom Kinnex. All other bionic feet/ankles come with a two-year warranty.

Price

We have not yet been able to confirm a net price to the end-user for a typical solution involving the Elan IC. We suspect it will be slightly more expensive than the Elan Foot. If you know, please contact us!

To see how the price of the IC compares to its competitors, please see our Bionic Foot Price List.

Compatibility With Bionic Knees

The Elan IC is fully compatible with Blatchford’s Orion Knee.

Blatchford recommends using only the Orion with the Elan IC as they have been designed to work together for optimal performance. If the IC is combined with another manufacturer’s knee, it is the customer’s responsibility to validate this combination. However, unlike some of the other bionic feet on the market, the Elan IC’s warranty is not invalidated by the use of another manufacturer’s knee.

User Feedback Survey & Results

Are you or have you previously been an Elan IC user? If so, please share your insights with others looking at the Elan IC as a possible prosthesis.

Survey

Results

We do not yet have a sufficient number of survey participants to publish fair and accurate results for the Elan IC.

As soon as we do, we’ll update this section.

Considerations Before Buying an Elan IC

We’re going to make essentially the same comments here as we do about the Elan Foot. The IC is a quality device that appears to contribute to a very smooth gait. The fact that it is waterproof further broadens its appeal.

At the same time, the Elan IC’s lack of user software and its inability to support user settings for different shoes are drawbacks.

Still, if you are shopping for a capable bionic ankle/foot that is waterproof, the Elan IC belongs on your shortlist.

For a list of competitor devices, see All Bionic Feet.

For a comprehensive description of all current lower-limb technologies, devices, and research, see Our Complete Guide to Bionic Legs & Feet.

Click here for more information on Blatchford.

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