Responses: Waterproof knee for high activity AK amputee

Responses: Waterproof knee for high activity AK amputee

dEntremont, Andre RQHR

8/31/2011

Thank-you all who responded to my inquiry about the extremely active AK
client who needs a waterproof knee for both in water and out of water
activities. Here are the responses I received:

* 3rw95 Ottobock;

* Check out the Aulie knee

* Check with 4C Forsee. They market mostly materials for fabrication
but they also market an excellent knee designed by an amputee that can
be adapted to regular walking and active sports by the removal or
addition of rubber (tendons). I believe it is exactly the knee you
want. I believe it has components made for snowmobiles which is why it
might meet the waterproof criteria. I can't remember the name of the
knee at the moment.

* No. The Aullie is not a great knee for walking. If the guy does not
want to change knees, then if it ain't broke don't fix it.

* The aulie knee is every bit as durable as they advertise it to be.
They recently came out with a stronger version that I have yet to use,
so I cannot comment on it. However, as far as comparing to the variable
cadence of a traditional hydraulic knee, the original aulie isn't quite
as high a performer. I would suggest looking into the Endolite KX06
knee. It has a very high weight limit and is very, very durable. It
tends to offer what I have found to be some of the best hydraulic
performance you can get for high activity patients. They also advertise
it as water resistant. I would guess they give you the same no salt
water, etc spiel that most other manufacturers do, but I would be
confident that it would be a relatively durable knee, warranty issues
aside.

* As a active AK amputee I love the Aulie knee. I try and live in it
most of the summer. Its the only knee I take on vacations. But it is not
a resistance knee, basically a free swinging knee that springs back to
full extension. Walking is fine, slopes can be tricky, running (never
tried) may be doable but only on the flat but not downhill or inclines.
It can be lock at full extension for difficult terrain walking / hiking.
Great for water and sand beaches. I use it also for road and mtn biking.


* Aulie 802 knee is not strong enough. maybe check out Aulie 902.


* Andre, rated to 330#... I just saw the new OttoBock New Aqualine;
Waterproof Prostheses water leg. 3WR95 AquaKnee includes a lock to
prevent flexion or, with the flick of a switch,
disengage the lock for more mobility

Here is the original post:
Dear List,

I have an extremely active 35 year old male who has been using his Mauch
cylinder with a USMC modular Mark V frame in the water for swimming,
windsurfing, then on to the beach to play volleyball, run, play frisbee
etc. I realize this is not recommended for the Mauch cylinder. The XT9
knee would not serve his purpose as he does not want to switch knees and
or prostheses between activities. I do not have experience with the
Aulie knee and wonder if it would be a good knee for all the above
activities. My client is always complaining that the resistance in the
Mauch cylinders is not enough for his high activities, especially
running full out. I have never seen an AK amputee as active as this guy
and wonder if the Aulie knee would work for him. What are your
experiences with the Aulie knee or other waterproof hydraulic knees that
I am not aware of. I will post the results to the list. Thanks in
advance.

Andy d'Entremont C.P.(c)