High-activity microprocessor-controlled knee
A sensor-controlled above-knee prosthetic solution considered for walking at different speeds, sports and outdoor activities.
What is a knee for a high activity level?
A microprocessor-controlled knee for a high activity level is a group of systems that combine sensors, a computerized control unit and hydraulic components, and that are considered for above-knee prosthesis users with an active lifestyle. By continuously detecting walking, it aims to adjust the knee resistance to the situation and to offer more fluid movement in activities with a varying, faster pace.
Systems in this class are designed with fast walking, different surfaces, slopes and ramps, and water and outdoor conditions in mind. Whether one is suitable for a person is determined individually by the specialist physician and team by assessing activity goals, safety needs, amputation level and general state of health.
What does it aim for?
The headings below introduce the general functions of systems in this class; the contribution of each feature to the person is assessed individually.
Adapting to a changing pace
The knee behaving according to the situation when switching between different walking speeds is intended to support more fluid walking in faster-paced activities.
Challenging surfaces
The knee adapting on slopes, ramps and uneven surfaces aims to offer support in outdoor mobility.
Stumble support
The knee responding to sudden changes detected during walking may help maintain balance.
Resistance to outdoor conditions
Certain systems are designed with water and humid conditions in mind; the limits of use are explained by the specialist team.
Activity modes
Separate operating modes for repetitive movements such as cycling may support adapting the system to different activities.
Individual adjustment
Making the settings according to the person's walking pattern and goals supports making effective use of the system.
Water and outdoor conditions
An active life often brings changing conditions with it, such as rain, humidity or being near water. Some systems in this class are designed with certain outdoor and water conditions in mind, and use in these conditions aims to contribute to the person's daily routine.
Each system has different durability limits. The rules to follow, and the cleaning and maintenance steps, for use involving contact with water or moisture are explained individually by the specialist team.
- Use in humid and outdoor conditions is evaluated according to the features of the system.
- Following the cleaning and drying steps after contact with water is important.
- Durability limits and rules of use are always specified by the specialist team.
Areas of use in an active life
The examples below only introduce general contexts of use; suitability for the person is assessed individually.
Outdoors and nature
Walking on different surfaces and slopes is intended to support more stable movement in nature activities.
Repetitive movements
In repetitive movements such as cycling, activity modes may support adapting the system to these movements.
Exercise and fitness
Exercise planned under specialist guidance may contribute to making effective use of the system and to general mobility.
How does the fitting progress?
Assessment
The specialist physician and team assess activity goals, safety needs and general state of health.
Prescription and planning
If considered appropriate, the fitting is planned in line with a specialist physician's prescription or medical report.
Measurement and trial
Socket measurements are taken, components are selected and efforts are made to achieve a good fit through trial stages.
Adjustment and gait training
The system is adjusted to the person's walking pattern; use is supported by gait training and regular check-ups.
Frequently asked questions
For whom is a knee in this class considered?
Suitability is assessed individually by the specialist physician and team, taking into account the person's above-knee amputation level, activity goals, safety needs and general state of health.
Can it be used in conditions involving contact with water?
Some systems are designed with certain outdoor and water conditions in mind; however, each system has a different durability limit. The rules of use and the cleaning and maintenance steps are explained individually by the specialist team.
How does the fitting begin?
The fitting begins with a prescription or medical report issued by a specialist physician and continues through the stages of assessment, measurement, production, trial and gait training.
This content is for information purposes only; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. Fittings are carried out at our licensed center addresses in line with a specialist physician's prescription/medical report.
