Benefits of Microprocessor Controlled Knees (MPKs)

As the leading manufacturer of microprocessor controlled knees, Ottobock has had nearly two decades of experience in this field. Thousands of Ottobock microprocessor knee systems have been sold worldwide. Combining research from our clinical scientists with amputees’ own experiences has allowed us to make continual advances in our prosthetic systems.

Ottobock introduced the world to the very first fully microprocessor-controlled knee in 1997, the C-Leg and ever since we have been dedicated to continuous improvement and advancement in mobility for above-knee amputees. Now available on the NHS (learn more here) the C-Leg is the most clinically evaluated MPK in history, with over 40 peer-reviewed, published studies that demonstrate proven results for users. The Compact was introduced to bring C-Leg technology to less active amputees who require a high degree of stability.

Thanks to groundbreaking technology, Genium was the first MPK to allow patients to walk upstairs step over step under their own power, cross obstacles more smoothly, and walk backwards. In 2013 the remarkable Genium X3 brought Ottobock technology to an entirely new level, introducing the unprecedented feature of a completely waterproof microprocessor knee

Types of MPK

Types of Microprocessor Knee

Prosthetic knees are designed for people who have amputations above their knee, and thus lack the knee joint and lower leg. In reality, you need more than just the knee. For one thing, you need a socket, the bucket-shell that encases your limb and attaches to the prosthetic knee joint on top. You also need something that attaches to the prosthetic knee joint on the bottom (a metal tube known as a pylon) and a prosthetic foot. All of these put together are known as a prosthetic “system” or prosthesis. Your prosthetic system will be unique to you and your needs.

In general, there are two kinds of prosthetic knees: non-microprocessor (or “mechanical”) and microprocessor. Mechanical knees all use a mechanical hinge to replace your knee joint. How quickly or easily the hinge swings is often controlled by friction, some type of hydraulic system or a locking mechanism.

Microprocessors, on the other hand, provide a more sophisticated method of control to a prosthetic knee. These more complex knee joints are designed to help you walk with a much more stable and efficient gait that more closely resembles a natural walking pattern.

C-Leg

Now the C-Leg is available on the NHS, thousands of people have the opportunity to experience life with increased safety and can reclaim their determination. Find out more on our NHS Funding page.

Launched in 1997 and in its fourth and most advanced incarnation, the new C-Leg 4 marks the start of a new era: It’s the best C-Leg of all time. The daily challenges that are faced by amputees all over the world are now a thing of the past. No longer do you need to concentrate on every step, whilst you are looking at the ground for any potential obstacles that lie ahead. The safety systems inside the C-Leg 4 have that covered so you can relax, look forward and enjoy life.

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Kenevo

The Kenevo focuses clearly on safety. The knee joint is the world's first fitting solution of the latest technology specifically for the needs of less active people - as a leg prosthesis the Kenevo sets a new global standard. With its special basic functions it provides support in typical everyday situations. Moreover, the activity modes provide high adaptability. The Kenevo grows with your skills, for example during rehabilitation, and adapts itself equally well for a decreasing amount of mobility.

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Genium

With the launch of the Genium bionic prosthetic system a breakthrough in the field of knee prosthetics was achieved. Unequalled natural walking, climbing stairs step-over-step, overcome obstacles, walking backwards, standing on slopes and much more: people with a prosthetic leg benefited for the first time from entirely new features, both during leisure time and at work.

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Genium X3

The result of a collaboration between the US military and Ottobock, the Genium X3 is quite simply the world’s most technologically advanced microprocessor prosthetic leg. You may have a challenging or adventurous lifestyle. Or, you may simply want to keep up with everyday activities (showering, hiking, running to catch a bus) without having to worry if your prosthesis can make it through.

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How do they work?

All microprocessor controlled knees feature sensors, a microprocessor, software, a resistance system and a battery.

The knee’s internal computer (microprocessor) controls an internal fluid, which may be hydraulic or pneumatic. The internal computer monitors each phase of your walking pattern (your “gait cycle”) using a series of sensors. The continuous monitoring and control of fluid allows the processor to make adjustments in resistance so you can walk more efficiently at various speeds and walk more safely down ramps and stairs.

You may ask, why do I need “resistance” when I’m walking? If you think about what we call the gait cycle, it makes more sense.

Stance Phase

The gait cycle is divided into two major phases: stance phase and swing phase. The stance phase happens when your foot is on the ground, when you are applying weight to your leg. The swing phase is when your foot is in the air and swinging forward.

When your foot is in contact with the ground, your leg normally flexes, or bends, sometimes even when you are standing still. The amount of flexion (bending) is relatively small – you don’t want your knee to buckle under you! The muscles of a biological leg are adding resistance, or support, to prevent buckling. When you take a step and put weight on your foot, your knee flexes a little, acting like a shock absorber. This is another time that your muscles are active to stabilize your knee. This also helps take stress off the rest of the body.

Swing Phase

When you are in swing phase (your leg swinging forward as you take a step), your knee is also flexed, or bent. But in this case you don’t need as much support or resistance, and in fact you want the knee to swing more freely when your foot is off the ground, so you can take that step forward.

A microprocessor knee monitors where you are in your gait cycle, and adjusts for the support you need. Your microprocessor knee will be programmed to your gait (your prosthetist will do this after having you walk in your new knee system). Some knees will not vary from this programmed pattern until they are adjusted again.

Ottobock knee systems, on the other hand, will make adjustments in support as you speed up or slow down in real time. Both the C-Leg and the Genium provide a high level of “stumble recovery” – they can sense when you have tripped or stumbled and will automatically increase resistance so you can catch yourself before you fall.

Stance Phase

The gait cycle is divided into two major phases: stance phase and swing phase. The stance phase happens when your foot is on the ground, when you are applying weight to your leg. The swing phase is when your foot is in the air and swinging forward.

When your foot is in contact with the ground, your leg normally flexes, or bends, sometimes even when you are standing still. The amount of flexion (bending) is relatively small – you don’t want your knee to buckle under you! The muscles of a biological leg are adding resistance, or support, to prevent buckling. When you take a step and put weight on your foot, your knee flexes a little, acting like a shock absorber. This is another time that your muscles are active to stabilize your knee. This also helps take stress off the rest of the body.

Swing Phase

When you are in swing phase (your leg swinging forward as you take a step), your knee is also flexed, or bent. But in this case you don’t need as much support or resistance, and in fact you want the knee to swing more freely when your foot is off the ground, so you can take that step forward.

A microprocessor knee monitors where you are in your gait cycle, and adjusts for the support you need. Your microprocessor knee will be programmed to your gait (your prosthetist will do this after having you walk in your new knee system). Some knees will not vary from this programmed pattern until they are adjusted again.

Ottobock knee systems, on the other hand, will make adjustments in support as you speed up or slow down in real time. Both the C-Leg and the Genium provide a high level of “stumble recovery” – they can sense when you have tripped or stumbled and will automatically increase resistance so you can catch yourself before you fall.

Stance Phase

The gait cycle is divided into two major phases: stance phase and swing phase. The stance phase happens when your foot is on the ground, when you are applying weight to your leg. The swing phase is when your foot is in the air and swinging forward.

When your foot is in contact with the ground, your leg normally flexes, or bends, sometimes even when you are standing still. The amount of flexion (bending) is relatively small – you don’t want your knee to buckle under you! The muscles of a biological leg are adding resistance, or support, to prevent buckling. When you take a step and put weight on your foot, your knee flexes a little, acting like a shock absorber. This is another time that your muscles are active to stabilize your knee. This also helps take stress off the rest of the body.

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Quick Facts

Fear of falling causes many people with lower limb amputations to compensate with changes in their walking style, like keeping their prosthetic knee straight with each step.
Compensating motions for a stiff-knee gait create unnatural stresses in the ankle, hip, lower back and other leg that can result in long-term effects.
When you receive a microprocessor knee, your physician usually prescribes additional therapy and gait training. If you have worn a mechanical knee for years, you may have to unlearn some compensating motions to achieve a smoother walking movement.
All microprocessor knees have a weight limit.