NEW C-LEG SECOND MODE BROADENS OPTIONS FOR AMPUTEES
MINEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA May 25th, 2001 -
Otto Bock Health Care, developer of the innovative C-Leg® knee-shin system, has made yet another revolutionary advance in the field of lower-limb prosthetics: a Second Mode of operation for users of the C-Leg, which they can safely switch themselves from walking mode to a mode pre-programmed for other activities such as biking, dancing or even standing on a ladder.
Otto Bock's unique knee-shin system features on-board sensor technology, which reads the individual's every move by measuring forces at the ankle and angle of the knee 50 times a second. The C-Leg’s microprocessor control unit uses this information to guide the knee's hydraulic stance resistance as well as swing phase to ensure that the user's gait is as natural and efficient as possible. Thanks to this innovative technology, user's can tackle stairs and other uneven surfaces and even move at different speeds on flat terrain with greater confidence—walking without thinking about how to walk.
Practitioners also report that new amputees have a quicker and easier recovery when using the C-Leg, but long-time users benefit just as much, often walking with greater ease and even participating in whole new activities after being fitted with the C-leg.
Otto Bock's Director of Professional Services, Todd Anderson, CP, FAAOA, says, "The C-Leg isn't just for active individuals, it's also an excellent choice for those who need additional stance stability. And with our new Second Mode, user's have the opportunity to do more things they'd like to do–sometimes things they haven't done in years–whether it's cross-country skiing or just having an easier time getting into and out of their car."
Established in 1958, Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Otto Bock Health Care, North America, is the U.S. corporate headquarters of Otto Bock Healthcare, GmbH, based in Duderstadt, Germany. Otto Bock, a leading international prosthetic and orthotic manufacturer, has more than 3,000 employees worldwide and produces over 20,000 types of prosthetic and orthotic components, rehabilitation products and technical plastics, and also provides information technology services.
