Supporting Amputees - Ottobock C-Leg Prosthesis
Author: Ottobock
Published: 2014/10/04 - Updated: 2018/11/08
Topic: Prostheses / Prosthetics - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Since its introduction the C-Leg has helped over 40,000 amputees worldwide and become the most popular microprocessor prosthetic knee in history.
Introduction
Ottobock, a world-leading supplier of innovative solutions for people with limited mobility, is celebrating 15 years of the C-Leg, the world's first completely computer-controlled lower limb prosthesis.
Main Item
Since its 1999 launch, the prosthesis has had a remarkable impact on many users and Ottobock has continued to develop its technology to the leg it is today. There are currently thousands of people around the world who are proud users of a C-Leg.
Louise Tait, the UK's first ever C-Leg patient, became an above knee amputee in 1987 and had problems finding a socket that fit due to the shape of her stump, she was later fitted with the innovative prosthesis. She is still using a C-Leg over a decade later and thanks the microprocessor knee for allowing her to lead a life where she feels stable, does not have to worry about the function of her leg and has the confidence to tackle everyday situations.
Louise States
'Following the launch of the C-Leg, I was lucky enough to be the first person in the UK to try it out. I have been using a C-Leg for 15 years since its launch in 1999. Finding a knee that you trust builds confidence so everyday activities become more natural. You use less time and energy thinking about where you are stepping and more time just getting on with life. To get the most out of it you need to practice and it takes time and repetition but eventually you will be walking without constantly thinking about each step and when that happens, it's a marvelous feeling.'
'Even after 15 years I remember how brilliant the C-Leg felt the first time I tried it, how fluid the motion was and once I learned to trust it. I can walk down slopes with confidence and the knee doesn't give way or collapse. When I learned to walk step-over-step down stairs, it gave me a feeling of real achievement.'
Key benefits of the C-Leg include on-board sensors and microprocessors to anticipate and adapt to a person's movement, the C-Leg immediately adjusts 50 times per second to changes in walking speed and direction, providing knee stability the moment it is needed.
The optimized stumble recovery feature means users are able to walk down ramps and stairs step-over-step and maneuverer on rough terrain with a greatly reduced fear of falling.
Programmed via Bluetooth technology to match the unique gait of their sound leg, a user also has several different activity modes available to them that allow stances for biking, golfing, etc, and are activated using a remote control.
Phil Yates, Managing Director of Ottobock UK
We are delighted to celebrate 15 years of the C-Leg and are proud to lead the way in microprocessor knee technology.
The C-Leg has been paramount to changing the way that amputees have been fit with prosthetic knees in the past 15 years and has changed many people's lives by providing more stability, more flexibility, and a knee that responds differently in a range of circumstances.
Ottobock is also very grateful to the talented Prosthetists and dedicated patients who have helped the development of the technology across the years.
Ottobock
Ottobock is part of the Ottobock global group of companies established in the UK in 1976.
Its wide product range includes high quality prosthetic and orthotic components, wheelchairs, rehabilitation and mobility products available through the country's leading clinics and dealers.
With a highly motivated and skilled team of professionals offering expert advice, product sales, service and support, Ottobock solutions enhance the physical comfort, confidence and mobility of the individual.
Ottobock aims to achieve the best possible outcome for its customers, combining the latest technology with cutting-edge products and services.
For more information on Ottobock's range of innovative solutions that restore mobility please visit www.ottobock.co.uk or follow @ottobockuk
Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Ottobock and published on 2014/10/04, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Ottobock can be contacted at www.ottobock.co.uk NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.