KenevoLifestyle

“Traditionally, the ‘low mobility’ patient group has been overlooked by advances in new technology – when the reality is that they are the very people who could benefit most from developments.”

Prosthetic manufacturer Ottobock has launched a new, technologically advanced prosthetic leg designed specifically for people with low mobility levels who encounter problems walking in their daily life. Launched on the 18th June 2015, the new Kenevo knee uses some of the most advanced technology in world to help patients, sit, stand and walk during the rehabilitation process. Previously only reserved for the most active amputees, this ‘micro-processor knee’ technology will bring new access to the thousands of amputees who are limited in their mobility.

Kenevo_ProductThe Ottobock Kenevo Knee is the first microprocessor in the world specially designed for ‘low mobility’ patients. Using complex computer software, Bluetooth, angle and force sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes, the Kenevo knows exactly where it is in space at any given moment – meaning that patients can walk, sit, stand and move with more ease and safety. Movements such as walking backwards or sitting and standing without falling are made natural and intuitive with the new technology.

“The Kenevo knee marks an exciting change for the world of prosthetics,” explains Ken Hurst, head of the Ottobock Academy. “Traditionally, the ‘low mobility’ patient group has been overlooked by advances in new technology – when the reality is that they are the very people who could benefit most from developments. Kenevo changes all of this and for the first time we can use exciting technology to help patients with lower mobility feel safer and more secure in their walking. For new amputees, this technology can help them rehabilitate and become more active – and for those whose mobility has declined, due to health or other reasons, this leg can keep them safe.”

Five revolutionary functions can now be used by all Kenevo users. Permanently activated, the knee offers enhanced safety at all times; controlled support for sitting down and standing up; a bespoke wheelchair feature and new technology for standing still.

In addition to these functions, the knee can be further tailored to the individual and offers three main ‘pre-selected’ modes designed to suit the lifestyle, mobility and needs of the individual. These modes can be changed and adapted as required in line with mobility improvement or decline.

Mode A: ‘Locked Mode’

Ideal for new amputees and those with extremely restricted indoor mobility – with little control of their residual limb.

  • Advanced safety
  • Knee remains locked all the time whilst walking and senses when the user wants to sit down and then automatically unlocks to allow safe, controlled sitting and standing

Mode B: ‘Semi-Locked mode’

Ideal for people who walk for short distances indoors and outdoors and have moderate control of their residual limb – but for who traditional mechanical knees feel unsafe, insecure and often give-way.

  • No control of the residual limb is needed during stance phase
  • Effortless stance release
  • Stance release leads to a secure feeling even when walking with free moving knee
  • Reliable stance release when using walking aids
  • Good clearance
  • Intuitive use of basic functions
  • Maximum gait speed 3 km/h

Mode B+: ‘Semi-Locked mode with stance flexion’

Additional features for Mode B patients that can walk with a slight bounce in the knee (stance flexion)

  • More physiologic gait pattern compared to Mode A and B
  • Standing with flexed knee possible
  • Walking down shallow ramps with alternating steps possible

Mode C: ‘Yielding mode’

Designed for patients who can walk moderate distances indoors and outdoors and can comfortably navigate most activities in life

  • More natural gait pattern comparing to other Activity Modes
  • High safety while walking and standing despite of more dynamic (earlier stance release)
  • Walking down shallow and steeper slopes with alternating steps possible
  • Walking downstairs alternating steps possible
  • High safety while standing on the prosthesis with flexed knee (Intuitive Stance)
  • Intuitive use of basic functions
  • Maximum gait speed 3 km/h

For more information on Ottobock’s range of solutions that restore mobility, visit the website HERE

AT TODAY UPDATES
Over 7,000 healthcare professionals stay informed about the latest assistive technology with AT Today. Do you?
We respect your privacy