Response to Microprocessor knees part 1

Response to Microprocessor knees part 1

8/16/2005

I had a number of requests to post the responses. I have not included names as I did not ask permission ahead of time. I split the responses into two parts, as the responses took very divergent paths.

----- Original Message -----

Can anyone help me by providing some feed back comparing the Otto Bock and Ossur (and any other) microprocessor knee's and their function in real world terms. How have they performed in practical applications. I have all the text book stuff, but would like the good and bad experiences/features people have found with each. Performance Vs adjustment Vs maintainance...etc...etc I am not crazy about OB's policy that you have to purchase a unit in order to take the course. I have already lost a patient because of this policy. A patient needed a socket replacement, wearing a c-leg, cannot replace the socket and not expect to have to adjust the parameters of the knee...but I had to buy a unit, to take the course, to be able to adjust the knee after replacing the socket(pay $12,000 to replace a socket?)..so I had to send the patient elsewhere!!! OK policy for large practices, not a policy that helps the independent prosthetist, or small independent offices like mine. My understandi!
 ng is that a purchase requirement is not the policy with Ossur.
Bottom line is I have a K3 patient I want to consider putting in a microprocessor knee. I want more than the SLK delivers, and am not sure I want to invest $12,000 in a unit that may not be the best option for her. If it is the best option, I have no problem doing so.

 Any and all feed back with one Vs the others would be greatly appreciated as we get the process started...obviously this is all dependent on getting the Ins approvals!!!!

 Thanks to all ahead of time

 Mike Madden, BOCPO, CPO

---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Mike,
First do not limit yourself look into the endolite knee as well. Second in terms of function I currently have 7 patients on microprocessor knees Daw, Otto Bock C Leg, Endolite and all function well with their particular setup. If your patient is a good ambulator and a true K#3 level consider using the Rheo or the C Leg. If the patient is also into heavy duty sports or hiking an advantage to the endolite system is the optional battery pack which allows the patient to continue camping and other activities without being hooked into an outlet. The Rheo and the C Leg last about 40 hours before they need to be recharged . As far as the Daw Intelligent Knee it ones not require charging as often because it has a sleep mode to safe on battery life. As far as the patients activities and function the significant change is in the patients ability to use his or her prosthesis with less of the thought process that conventional prostheses require. The hydraulic systems and stance and swing!
  control are more attuned to the patient this allows both physical and mental confidence in functioning with the prosthesis.If your patient is a good ambulator without Microprocessor knees she'll be good with them and she may say she's better. As far as what works best or which it is somewhat subjective to trial and error with your patient based on weight , need and function for the patients individual activity.

Good luck with your choice,

Mike,

My opinion & I've heard similar from others:
Endolites's Adaptive is best for heavy duty, rough n tumble kind of guys; such as a hvy equipment operator: jumpin in & out of equipment all day; or the farmer, or construction worker........
Otto Bocks C-leg is for the real power walker. The person who really uses hip flexion-extension to power their way along. Competitive athletics, laborers.........
Ossur's Rheo is for the everyday kind of pt with fairly normal daily activities & regular weekly workouts: say the office worker or salesperson that plays racquetball or goes hunting & fishing. I found it much easier to get the person ambulating in a very natural way.
DAW's SLK: I've only ever used it on the older individual, and found it to work very well for them. My opinion is they feel more secure thinking they have a computer leg...and that's a functional benefit in itself.

Hello Mike,
I have fit C leg, Compact and Adaptive microprocessor knees. I do presentations for Endolite regarding Adaptive. I use all three knees, they can not be substituted for each other. Each knee has its target amputee. I would be happy to discuss this with you.

Mike
In answer to your query, I would advise staying away from the DAW microprocessor knee. The only complaint I've ever heard about any of the other microprocessor knees is that they are heavy.

Hello Mike
I'm a product specialist for Endolite North America, we offer an alternative to the C'leg, and Rheo, designed with support modes and independent adjustments for Ramps, Standing, stair, stumble support, along with variable Speed controls, programmed to suit the Patient, you do not need to attend a course hundreds of mile away, taking your patient with you, we come to you and fit the patient and train you one on one, giving us the best chance of success, for both the training and the Patient settings.
The unit is designed utilizing Hydraulic support for stance, and Pneumatic control for speed variations, this is because Air flow variations are faster than Hydraulic fluid, the system is guaranteed for three years, we send exchange cylinder units for the first two years, giving all updates to both software and hardware to your patient, at no additional cost, included in the package is a rotating vertical shock pylon, and battery charger.
Giving your patient longer battery life than our competitors, and more convenience, One Charge lasts 5-7 days and further charger can extend the life to 10-14 days, plus the options of rechargeable or non rechargeable batteries.
I'm on the road now fitting two Adaptive limbs to patients, which I spend an amount of my time doing, I feel this is a great product, I hope to hear from you soon.

THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED

Mike Madden, BOCPO, CPO


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