C-Leg Prosthetics
The C-Leg was developed by Otto Bock, a world leader in the manufacturing of prosthetic components. The C-Leg is the first computer controlled stance and swing phase prosthetic knee. Here at Fit-Well, we are proud to be part of this new technology. Our staff has successfully fit more C-Legs than any other facility in the state and our experience is unsurpassed.
The microprocessor also provides a feature known as stumble recovery, which protects the patient if the foot catches on the ground or a sudden stop in motion occurs. For example, if the patient is walking and has to stop for a car, or an object is placed in their path and the knee is suddenly partially bent, the stance control activates and the knee will not buckle. The patient would be able to recover with their sound leg and regain their balance. This provides for a much safer prosthesis, reducing the potential for falling while allowing the patient to perform activities such as descending stairs foot over foot, and walking down inclines without the fear of the knee buckling on them.
The optimal stability of the C-Leg equals optimal safety and ease of swing; this creates a smooth, balanced movement which imitates the movements of the individual’s sound leg. In addition, the computer allows the patient to walk with a flexed knee much like how the human limb ambulates. This reduces the shock that is transferred from heel strike up through the prosthesis into the hip socket and lower back. It also produces a symmetrical gait that matches the human limb’s locomotion, which is that it flexes at the knee joint when the heel is placed on the ground. The C-Leg has been very successful on all levels of above knee, hip disartic, and hemipelvectomy amputations, even allowing the hip and hemipelvectomy patients to go down stairs foot over foot and have increased safety and stability. The C-Leg has a second mode that can be programmed to allow the knee to be a free swing knee for bicycling, or lock in a flexed position for golf or skating.