Wheelchair Leg Extensions replace standard footrests with an adjustable lower leg support surface ranging from 90 degrees to full horizontal extension, with soft calf pads for pressure-distributed leg support in the elevated position. Indicated for post-surgical immobilisation, oedema management, and plaster or splint restrictions. Supplied as a pair. Compatible with the full NCL wheelchair range. Prescribed angle confirmed by physiotherapist or occupational therapist. NCL-YK002.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Adjustment Range | 90 degrees (standard seated) to fully extended (horizontal) |
| Calf Pads | Soft - included; distributes lower leg load in elevated position |
| Supply | Pair - left and right included |
| Compatibility | Full NCL wheelchair range - standard footrest mounting point |
| Clinical Indications | Post-surgical immobilisation; oedema; plaster or splint restriction |
| Reference | NCL-YK002 |
The Wheelchair Leg Extensions are a wheelchair accessory. The clinical angle setting must be prescribed and documented by the physiotherapist or occupational therapist, particularly for post-surgical use where a specific angle restriction applies. PUWER 1998 requires staff to be trained in correct extension adjustment and calf pad positioning. The leg extensions must be confirmed as correctly and securely attached to the wheelchair at each use; a poorly attached extension can detach during wheelchair movement and cause the resident's leg to fall suddenly. Equipment records must note the product code and the prescribed angle setting for each resident.
Can the leg extensions be used on both the Self-Propel and Car Transit wheelchairs in the NCL range?
The NCL-YK002 extensions are designed to be compatible with the standard footrest mounting point used across the NCL wheelchair range, which includes both the Self-Propel (NCL-HMS300B, ID 278) and the Car Transit (NCL-HMA200B, ID 279). The attachment mechanism at the footrest mounting point is the same across these models, so the extensions fit both chairs. However, there is a practical consideration for the self-propel wheelchair: when the leg extensions are fitted at or near full extension, the extended leg position may interfere with the user's ability to reach the rear propulsion wheel rim, as the extended leg occupies more of the lower body space forward of the seat; the specific impact on propulsion capacity depends on the user's arm length and body dimensions. The occupational therapist should confirm that leg extensions fitted to the self-propel wheelchair do not prevent the user from reaching the propulsion rims, or whether the transit wheelchair is more appropriate for the period during which the extensions are needed. For the transit wheelchair, this consideration does not apply as the user does not propel the chair independently.
How should the calf pad be positioned to avoid creating a new pressure risk at the heel?
The calf pad must be positioned to support the calf (the posterior lower leg between the knee and the Achilles) rather than the heel itself; if the pad is positioned too far distally, the heel rests directly on the extension support surface rather than in the air beyond the pad's end, which creates a concentrated point load at the calcaneus - exactly the heel pressure risk that the extension is supposed to avoid by elevating the limb. The correct positioning places the pad's distal (far) end approximately at the junction between the calf and the Achilles, so that the heel hangs freely over the end of the extension surface without contact. The calf sits on the pad's cushioned surface, distributing the lower leg weight across the calf's broader muscle mass rather than concentrating it at the heel. After positioning, the carer should visually confirm that the heel is clear of the extension surface with a visible gap between the heel and the support; any reddening or marking at the heel after extended use indicates the pad is positioned too far distally and must be adjusted. The physiotherapist's assessment of the leg extension configuration must include the calf pad position and its effect on heel clearance for the specific resident.