Technology

Bionic technology stands to revolutionize the way that prosthetics are used by the amputee. Until recently, prosthetics were primarily limited to combinations of carbon fiber and titanium. With the introduction of miniaturized computers, batteries and motorized components, prosthetics are finally making strides towards realizing the ultimate goal--to replace a limb with a fully functional device.

While at the conference I was afforded the opportunity to learn about the new Power Knee 2. In full disclosure, this is an Ossur product. However, Ossur does not support this blog and does not influence my opinions of their products. (If you need proof of this, do a quick search on my experiences and thoughts concerning the frustrating seal-in liner that does not stay in place on my shapely thigh. I firmly believe that the liner was molded on Icelandic women who must not have large legs!)

The Power Knee 2 is a fully bionic prosthetic knee. Until now, microprocessor knees have not been able to move anything other than the joint that they were designed to replace. The Power Knee takes the prosthetic knee to the next level.

This is the first lower-extremity prosthetic designed to replace the muscle that was lost during the amputation. True to its name, the PowerKnee utilizes a miniaturized motor which is strong enough to move the wearer. With experience, the above knee amputee is able to walk up stairs in a leg-over-leg fashion.

The Power Knee 2 holds a lot of promise for the above knee amputee. This device allows the individual to walk in a normal fashion, utilizing the same musculature to walk that is used by those who have both legs. The introduction of power into the prosthetic knee has reduced the strain that is typically placed upon the sound side.

Unfortunately the knee is not easy to master. In order to be an effective user, the amputee must, in essence, unlearn everything about how to walk with a prosthetic. It takes six months to one year for the individual to adjust and to properly utilize the features of this powered prosthetic. I suspect that the steep learning curve is going to be a deal breaker for some.

The PowerKnee holds the same promise for above knee amputees as the new PowerFoot, by iWalk, does for those with a below knee amputation. Unfortunately the PowerFoot will not be available for three more years and currently costs $50,000. For some reason, I don't think Elsie my insurance adjuster would approve this device, based solely on the price tag alone!