Above Knee Leg Prosthetics
An above-knee or transfemoral prosthesis is comprised of custom and prefrabricated componentry. It is designed for an individual who has had an AK (above knee) or TF (otherwise known as a transfemoral) amputation.
The prosthesis often times includes a custom socket, a gel liner, a knee joint that fits the patient’s activity levels, a pylon, and the foot (which also matches the patient’s activity levels).
Often times the prosthesis can also incorporate a sleeve or other suspension system, based on the support needs preferred by the patient.
Microprocessor knees utilize technology that helps people to walk with more safety and with less energy expenditure. They help amputees walk by making it more easily to go up and down terrain that is unequal. Meaning, a person can navigate uneven terrain more and other changes in the landscape such as hills or ramps that you may encounter. These prosthetic knees help people to accomplish these goals with an improved sense of stability.
An MPK (Microprocessor knee) is able to accomplish this by using sensors that are built into the design and internal framework. These sensors gather information about a person’s movements and as a result, can then make calculated adjustments in real time to help you walk more fluidly and with more safety.
For example, if the knee detects that a person is going to stumble, the knee adjusts its stiffness levels and as a result this can help the amputee. It helps the amputee because as a result of this change, the person can avoid a fall because they can incorporate what is known as “stumble recovery” more readily into their gait pattern.
These microprocessor knee units are not for every amputee however. They are typically reserved for amputees that have a lifestyle that is active. These individuals usually need to be able to show potential for navigating uneven terrain routinely. Bilateral amputees also can appreciate their use because the componentry within the knee unit can hep the user to feel more capable of fluid and safe ambulation. As a result, many amputees tell us that they feel they can then take on the challenges of every day living more readily and feel confident in the process.
This design definitely has its advantages but will require the attention of the user as the battery units within the knees need to be charged after use. Many individuals with a prosthetic knee such as this also like to incorporate microprocessor feet into their prosthetic treatment as well.
