July 2005

One of the newest advances in the area of prosthetics is the "adaptive knee," a microprocessor-controlled knee-shin system. According to Ability owner, Jeffrey Brandt, CPO, this knee "monitors how the wearer walks and adjusts accordingly, much like a biological knee."

This knee greatly improves the quality of life for its users. "Instead of having to put thought and effort into moving the artificial limb," comments Brandt, "the wearer can walk at variable speeds, bend and turn much more safely and naturally." The knee is appropriate for most people with above-knee amputations, depending on their level of function and ability.

Ms. Joannette Eberhart has needed an artificial limb for nearly her entire life. After trying various knee and leg systems, she remained frusterated with her previous limbs, as she'd often fall and feel like her body and leg were not moving in sync with one another. As a new user of the knee-shin system, Ms. Eberhart moves more freely and sturdily. "I have not fallen since I got the new knee," she says. Ms. Eberhart continues to work with her therapists to improve her functioning with the knee system.

For more information on microprocessor-controlled knees, call Ability at 717.337.2273 or 301.790.3636 or visit www.endolite.com, www.ottobock.com, or www.ossur.com