Lindhe Quick-Change Adapter Review
As a below-knee amputee, I find changing pants and shoes difficult. Being a bilateral amputee makes it even more challenging.
When I first found out about the Lindhe adapter, I knew I had to try it. I first tried it over three years ago, and I'm never going back!
I had my amputations in 2022. Unfortunately, they were necessary due to a severe illness.
Before my amputations, I rarely wore loose-fitting pants, shorts, or sweatpants. My go-to was slim-fit jeans. Perfect for an amputee… 😂
Well, I quickly realized what a hassle it was to get those jeans on and off. I basically had to give up and switch to loose-fitting sweatpants instead.
Fast-forward a little, and I had the Lindhe adapters fitted to both of my prostheses.
WOW! What a difference.
I can now change pants at basically the same speed as I could before my amputations.
These days, I use several different types of prosthetic feet in my daily life, including running feet, swimming feet, and hydraulic feet. I have a Lindhe adapter on all of them, so I can switch from one pair to another in about 20 seconds.
For example, I usually wear my hydraulic feet at work. When I get home, I often switch to my running feet because they make it a little easier for me to conquer the steps. 😛
Pros and Cons of the Lindhe Adapters
Pros
- Quick changes. And I mean really quick!
- I can change feet in about 20 seconds.
- There is a safety button on each adapter. If the wheel were to somehow loosen, the safety button still keeps the adapter connected. Obviously, I would never recommend using it without properly tightening the wheel. 🤣
- It's a game changer if you use several different types of prosthetic feet.
- No need for multiple sockets.
- Waterproof in both fresh and salt water. This is perfect when switching to swimming feet for the pool, beach, bath, or shower.
For me, there really aren't that many downsides, but of course, no product is perfect.
Cons
- The adapter adds some weight to the prosthesis. If you're particularly sensitive to the weight of your prosthesis, this could be an issue.
- It also adds some height. This may actually be helpful rather than a disadvantage for some people with very short residual limbs.
- The wheel can sometimes get stuck. When that happens, I have to pull quite hard to loosen it again.
- The edges of the wheel can feel quite rough. People with sensitive hands may find it difficult or uncomfortable to tighten. I think this could easily be improved by adding some kind of softer material around the outside.
I've experienced a small amount of movement between the adapters. Over the three years I've used them, I've occasionally had what I would describe as a slight “glitch” or play between the parts. This creates an annoying clicking sound with every step. I've been able to fix it easily with a small piece of tape, but really, this shouldn't be necessary in the first place.
Who Is the Lindhe Adapter For?
In my opinion, basically every amputee could benefit from something like this, especially if you're looking for ways to make everyday life a little easier. 😉
We all know life as an amputee can sometimes be challenging, and small things like this can make a surprisingly big difference in daily life.
For me, the Lindhe adapter has been a total game changer. After using it for more than three years, I couldn't imagine going back to prostheses without quick-change adapters.
In my region, they cost around $1,500 per leg, which is a lot of money.
But for me, they've been completely worth it. I would never want to go back to life without a quick-change adapter.
Get in contact with your prosthetist to schedule a trial. As of writing this article, the Lindhe Extend adapter is available in most regions and countries.