Why Choose a Microprocessor Knee?
What’s the difference between a microprocessor knee and a mechanical knee prosthesis? How do MPKs work exactly? And what sets Ottobock solutions apart? Here’s a quick overview to answer your most pressing MPK questions.
The Ottobock Difference.
Ottobock launched the first fully microprocessor-controlled knee in 1997 and remains the world’s leading manufacturer of MPKs to this day. Over the last 25 years, we have continually updated our systems based on both scientific research and feedback from users about what they really need.
For example, your prosthetist will program your microprocessor knee to match your walking pattern. Many systems won’t vary from this programmed pattern until they’re checked again. But Ottobock MPKs continually monitor the phases of your gait, adjusting in real time to support you as you speed up or slow down.
Stance, Swing, and Everything in Between.
All prosthetic knees are designed to mimic two phases of your natural walking pattern or “gait cycle”:
During stance phase, your foot is in contact with the ground. Your leg is slightly bent, acting as a shock absorber while providing enough resistance to support your weight.
During swing phase, your foot is in the air and swinging forward. Your knee flexes more so that your foot can clear the floor as it swings forward into the next step.
But it’s the way they recreate these phases of gait that separates one type of prosthetic knee from another.
Mechanical vs. Microprocessor.
Mechanical knees are usually controlled by a mechanical lock, friction, or pneumatic or hydraulic fluids. Often only body weight is used to activate the stance control mechanism, leading to a less natural walking pattern.
Microprocessor knees use sensors, software, and a built-in computer to adjust fluid-based resistance to your unique gait. This makes it easier to walk at varying speeds and safely descend ramps and stairs.
The bottom line? MPKs empower you to walk with a more stable, natural, and efficient gait.
The Ottobock Difference.
Ottobock launched the first fully microprocessor-controlled knee in 1997 and remains the world’s leading manufacturer of MPKs to this day. Over the last 25 years, we have continually updated our systems based on both scientific research and feedback from users about what they really need.
For example, your prosthetist will program your microprocessor knee to match your walking pattern. Many systems won’t vary from this programmed pattern until they’re checked again. But Ottobock MPKs continually monitor the phases of your gait, adjusting in real time to support you as you speed up or slow down.
Stance, Swing, and Everything in Between.
All prosthetic knees are designed to mimic two phases of your natural walking pattern or “gait cycle”:
During stance phase, your foot is in contact with the ground. Your leg is slightly bent, acting as a shock absorber while providing enough resistance to support your weight.
During swing phase, your foot is in the air and swinging forward. Your knee flexes more so that your foot can clear the floor as it swings forward into the next step.
But it’s the way they recreate these phases of gait that separates one type of prosthetic knee from another.
The Ottobock Portfolio of Microprocessor-Controlled Knees.
Kenevo: Build More Confidence.
For activity levels 1 & 2
Looking to feel safe, secure, and supported with every step? Whether you need more stability for day-to-day activities or are striving to reclaim your independence during rehab and recovery, Kenevo is ideal for those with moderate or changing mobility needs.
C-Leg: Choose Proven Performance.
For activity levels 2 – 4
Live your healthy, active life on the world’s most trusted and preferred microprocessor knee.(*1) C-Leg dynamically adapts to a wide variety of situations, and delivers next-level personalisation and user experience.
Genium X4: Experience Life in Effortless Motion.
For activity levels 2 – 4
Get ready to free your mind and unlock your true potential with the Genium X4: a
next-gen Ottobock microprocessor knee that sets a new standard of
performance, durability, and customizability.
Key Features of Ottobock MPKs.
Gait Optimisation
Enjoy a smooth walking pattern regardless of terrain, walking speed, footwear or carried weight. Our MPKs enable harmonious, fluid movement via: adaptive yielding control, which enables the right amount of flexion resistance; adaptive swing phase control to ensure the ideal flexion angle; and other innovative features.
Stumble Recovery.
Ottobock Microprocessor Knees sense when you trip or stumble and boost resistance so you can catch yourself before you fall. The result? Significantly lower risk of stumbling, falling and fear of falling.² Whether you’re walking fast or slow, taking big steps or small ones, or traversing stairs or slopes, you can trust your Ottobock MPK.
Safe, Intuitive Standing.
Whether you’re standing relaxed or ready to take your next step, Intuitive Stance adapts to your needs. Even on inclines or uneven surfaces, it allows you to stand and then move safely without thinking twice. Plus, you can distribute weight evenly between both legs, so you’re less prone to harmful compensating movements.
Durability in the Elements.
An Ingress Protection (IP) rating refers to a device’s ability to withstand dust, water, and other substances. Our IP67-rated, weatherproof C-Leg and Genium can easily handle rain showers. And our water and corrosion-proof IP68-rated Genium X3 can be fully submerged in fresh, salt, or chlorinated water.
MyModes.
Get the support you need for activities that fit your lifestyle with MyModes. These additional settings are programmed by your prosthetist to suit everything from your favorite sports to recurring work tasks. Plus, you can easily switch between them via the Cockpit app (iOS or Android) or specific movement patterns.
Benefits for Bilateral Users.
Ottobock MPKs can help bilateral users lead largely independent, self-determined lives. Intelligent sensor technology, Intuitive Stance, Stumble Recovery, and other advancements provide targeted support for everyday activities as well as advanced detection and assistance for critical situations.
Microprocessor Knees to Fit Any Lifestyle.
Clinical Study Support.
Clinical Research Drives Everything We Do.
Every Ottobock microprocessor knee is supported by the highest levels of clinical data. Our MPKs are extensively tested on different types of terrain, slopes, stairs, ramps, and hills. They’re tested for safety, mobility levels, efficiency, ease of use, preference, satisfaction, and more. With dozens of top-quality studies at the heart of your mobility, you can truly trust your MPK to meet your unique needs as you move through life.
Answers to Common MPK Questions.
Activity Levels.
Your activity level (or “mobility grade”) is a number between 1 and 4 that indicates your overall physical condition and potential for benefiting from various prosthesis options. Your prosthetist will assess your activity level and use it to set therapy goals and determine which solution is most likely to maximize your mobility and quality of life.
Activity Level 4.
Description: Users are generally able to walk outdoors with little or no restriction, for any amount of time or distance. Due to high functional demands, significant shock, tension, and distortion can occur.
Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand, walk, and move both indoors and outdoors without any limitations.
Ottobock MPK Options: C-Leg, Genium X4
Activity Level 1.
Description: Those with Level 1 mobility typically use their prosthesis only for transfers or moving slowly on level floors. Walking time and distance are likely very limited due to overall physical condition.
Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand and walk indoors for short periods.
Ottobock MPK Options: Kenevo
Activity Level 2.
Description: Users can typically walk slowly with their prosthesis and negotiate low obstacles, such as curbs, single steps, and uneven surfaces. Walking time and distance are still limited.
Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand and walk both indoors and outdoors.
Ottobock MPK Options: Kenevo, C-Leg, Genium X4
Activity Level 3.
Description: Users can walk with their prosthesis at medium-to-high speeds, vary their speed, and overcome most natural obstacles. They can typically engage in professional, therapeutic, and other activities that don’t put too much strain on their prosthesis. And while there may be an increased need for safety (perhaps due to additional disability or special living conditions) combined with medium-to-high mobility demands, walking time and distance are only slightly restricted.
Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand and walk, both indoors and outdoors, with only mild restrictions.
Ottobock MPK Options: C-Leg, Genium X4
Activity Level 4.
Description: Users are generally able to walk outdoors with little or no restriction, for any amount of time or distance. Due to high functional demands, significant shock, tension, and distortion can occur.
Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand, walk, and move both indoors and outdoors without any limitations.
Ottobock MPK Options: C-Leg, Genium X4
Activity Level 1.
Description: Those with Level 1 mobility typically use their prosthesis only for transfers or moving slowly on level floors. Walking time and distance are likely very limited due to overall physical condition.
Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand and walk indoors for short periods.
Ottobock MPK Options: Kenevo
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Microprocessor Knee Features.
1. Wismer, N., Mileusnic, M., Sreckovic, I., & Hahn, A. (2016). First results on next generation C-Leg. Poster presentation at OTWorld, Leipzig, Germany.
2. Mileusnic M, Hahn A, Reiter S. Effects of a novel microprocessor-controlled knee, Kenevo, on the safety, mobility, and satisfaction of lower-activity patients with transfemoral amputation. J Prosthet Orthot 2017;29(4):198-205.