What are AK Cosmetic Covers?
An AK (above-knee) cover is a external layer of material that patients will wear that covers their prosthesis from the foot shell to above the knee joint. The goal and use of these covers is to create a more natural look for the patient that matches the patient’s sound side contours.
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For ordering BK Cosmetic Covers instead, review this guide!
Table of Contents
Distal Style Options
Three different styles of AK cover distal ends are available to best suit the locomotion of the patient’s prosthetic. The options are as follows:
- Flat: The most simple style of the distal ends. Sits flat on top of the prothesis foot shell & provides ankle shape.
- Locking: Distal end matches the inside contour of the foot shell. Slides into foot shell to secure connection. Provides additional stability, no shifting cover, more natural look.
- Full: Distal end has additional material. This can be cut to form two wing-like shapes. These slide into the foot shell to add support and allow for ankle flexion.
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Measurements Needed
- A scan of the prosthesis is always required.
- We will ask for the following measurements on the order form:
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Design Features
Sleek, Always Included Designs for the Best Fit
- Proximal End Cut: This feature is a cut on the proximal end of the cover that matches the proximal contour of a patient’s prosthesis. By adding this, it allows for greater range of motion in the knee joint and allows access to the knee joint hardware.
- Pylon Support: A cone is placed on the inside of the cover to add extra support, preventing any side to side movement and applies friction to the pylon reducing the up and down movement as well. The top end of the cone is designed to match the diameter of the patient’s pylon, which sits just below where the top of the pylon ends.
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Design Options on the Order Form
- Posterior Strapping Holes: These slits are positioned on the posterior side of the cover and follow the center of the posterior contour geometry. The purpose of these slits is to provide the cover with a method of securement. It allows for Velcro to be fed through the slots and fastened to hold the cover together. Standard placement is top, middle, and bottom.
- Charging Hole: This feature is a hole placed on the posterior side of the prosthesis. It allows for easy access to the charging port on an electrically powered prosthesis.
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Fabrication Instructions
Follow the below post-print instructions to finish fabrication needs for the AK cover.
1. Remove trim from distal end.|
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2. Cut down the posterior side of the cover between the posterior slits.
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3. Continue cut along the same path for the internal cone.
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4. Feed Velcro through each slit to secure posterior side.
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5. If the distal end is in the full style, a cut is required along the pringle-shaped seam of the distal end.
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