MICROPROCESSOR KNEES
Microprocessor knees, sometimes referred to as computer-controlled knees, use technology that offers safer walking with less effort, making it easier to navigate hills, ramps, and uneven terrain with greater stability.
Sensors within microprocessor knees constantly gather movement and timing data, which the knees then interpret to make any necessary adjustments. They detect stumbles in real time, automatically adjusting their stiffness and allowing the user to catch themselves to avoid a fall.
Microprocessor knees are generally best suited for people with moderate to active lifestyles who navigate uneven terrain or more basic environmental obstacles like curbs and sloped surfaces. They are especially beneficial to individuals with bilateral limb loss, as the seamless adjustments of microprocessor knees help users feel more safe and confident as they navigate daily activities.
Some important things to consider include that this type of knee is slightly heavier than some other types of prosthetic knees, and that microprocessor knees require battery monitoring and frequent recharging.
Many users find that microprocessor knees pair well with microprocessor feet.
Benefits of Microprocessor Prosthetic Knees
The lack of trust in today's basic prosthetic limb often means that the user will shift their weight on to the non-amputated limb. This has a detrimental effect on other joints.
Microprocessor-controlled knees provide the amputee with more stability on all kinds of terrains, slopes and steps. Microprocessor-controlled knees adapt hydraulic resistance in real time, providing the wearer with support whether they are standing still or moving.
Prevention of falls is just one aspect – reducing the chances of acute injuries – but effective stabilization can also cut down on medical problems often experienced by amputees with conventional prosthesis and joints, such as lower-back pain, arthritis and hip replacements.
Orion3
The water-resistant Orion3 is equipped with enhanced features, combining everything wearers love about this intelligent microprocessor knee with more advanced technology. Orion3 is designed with Blatchford’s patented Performance Response Technology™ (PRT™). This allows amputees to safely replicate natural limb movement across different terrains and speeds, for a superior walking experience. Stringent tests certify that Orion3 is fully water resistant to IP55 , meaning wearers can confidently take on outdoor activities come rain or shine.
C-Leg
Now the C-Leg is available on the NHS, thousands of people have the opportunity to experience life with increased safety and can reclaim their determination. Find out more on our NHS Funding page.
Launched in 1997 and in its fourth and most advanced incarnation, the new C-Leg 4 marks the start of a new era: It’s the best C-Leg of all time. The daily challenges that are faced by amputees all over the world are now a thing of the past. No longer do you need to concentrate on every step, whilst you are looking at the ground for any potential obstacles that lie ahead. The safety systems inside the C-Leg 4 have that covered so you can relax, look forward and enjoy life.
Genium X3
Choose powerful versatility
The sensor technology in the Genium X3 makes intuitive and natural motion sequences possible, even when you’re walking backwards or climbing stairs, or when switching between different walking speeds and stride lengths. Enhanced safety and quality of life along with relief for the contralateral side are just some of the aspects that can benefit patients considerably; and this has been scientifically proven.
The Genium X3 is particularly robust and resilient. Physically demanding occupations, an active family life, swimming and sports activities, seaside holidays and situations where you encounter water, dust, sand, dirt or grime – these are the ideal conditions for the Genium X3.
The Genium X3 has now been developed even further on this basis for smoother, more intuitive walking, improved safety and better support in everyday situations.
RHEO KNEE
The Rheo Knee is a microprocessor knee designed to promote stability and safety. It enables natural and effortless gait – even on difficult terrain. The Rheo Knee is easy to fit, and delivers reliable user outcomes.
Key features
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Auto adaptive real-time stance and swing control
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Dependable and easy swing initiation on all surfaces
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Automatic stumble recovery
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Manual extension lock
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Weatherproof design allows exposure to fresh water splashes
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Facilitates stepping over obstacles and stepping backwards
POWER KNEE
The Power Knee is the world’s first motor-powered microprocessor knee. Active assistance powers flexion and extension to mimic concentric and eccentric muscle activity. Advanced sensors accurately detect the user’s movements and inform the microprocessor where state-of-the-art algorithms enable the knee to respond to the user’s needs. A powerful motor provides consistent stance phase but also free swing phase. Delivering active extension when standing up, controlled resistance when descending, active flexion and extension during walking and energy returning stance flexion, Power Knee facilitates symmetrical weight distribution and natural gait.
Key features
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Auto-adaptive real-time stance and swing control
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Energy returning stance flexion
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Active assistance in level-ground walking, step-over-step stair ascent and when standing up
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Intuitive knee lock when standing, facilitating equal weight distribution
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25 hour typical usage on a single battery
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Replaceable battery, can be charged in knee or separately
QUATTRO KNEE
The PROTEOR QUATTRO Microprocessor Knee is designed to be more intuitive, more personalized, and more adaptable. With patented technology, advanced customization options, extended battery life, and simple maintenance, QUATTRO gives you more of exactly what you need to live the life you want.
The sophisticated technology of QUATTRO is designed to deliver safety and security. With three hyper-responsive sensors and a patented valve made to read and react to your body’s biomechanics, you can trust your knee every step of the way.
QUATTRO Control Technology’s patented valve allows infinite levels of resistance to accommodate each person’s unique movements, making transitions between activities effortless.
Three hyper-responsive sensors read body movements to react to the natural gait of each patient
Stumble recovery reacts to each situation by determining the appropriate resistance for the patient to recover more naturally.
PLIE 3 KNEE
Stronger construction makes the new Plié 3 Microprocessor Controlled (MPC) Knee both submersible and more rugged than ever. With the most responsive stumble and fall protection, users can instinctively move at their own pace in any direction…even if it’s taking small short steps or pivoting in confined spaces. And with a more streamlined, intuitive set up, the Plié 3 Knee makes it even easier for prosthetists to help patients expand their freedom.
• Responds fast, adapting to variety of gait speeds and changes in user activities.
• Customizable stumble recovery parameters.
• Defaults to stance for increased safety and improved stumble recovery during ambulation and other activities.
• Releases on the unloading of the toe for increase safety during ambulation, walking backwards and taking small steps in all directions.
• Built in Gait and Cadence Analysis can help show variable cadence capability to payors and referral sources.
Would you like to receive a complimentary in-person or online consultation with our clinical team? Please contact us.