Otto-Bock C-Leg and Össur Rheo Knee: Obsolete technology?

“The world’s first powered prosthesis for above-knee amputees, the POWER KNEE offers unprecedented levels of functionality and performance. It replaces true muscle activity to bend and straighten the knee as required.
When walking on level ground, the user is gently propelled forward, allowing greater distances to be covered without becoming as tired as before. On stairs and inclines the knee actively lifts the user up the next step, producing a secure and natural ascent, foot over foot. By gathering sensory information one step ahead of the prosthesis, the POWER KNEE is unique in its ability to anticipate and pro-actively provide the function appropriate to daily activities.”

Speaking as an amputee, I firmly believe this is the kick in the rear the prosthetics industry has needed. This sort of technology undoubtedly will pave the way for a whole new generation of input/output devices for virtually anything you could imagine.

The down side? While the C-Leg and Rheo knee boast microprocessor controlled swing phase adjustment, the fact is the vast majority of amputees are totally unable to afford such technology. Health insurance companies refuse to pay for these products, regardless of the fact that the current substandard prosthetics impart a great deal of stress and physical wear to the amputee’s body.

When an amputee who visits the same prosthetist as I couldn’t get his insurance company to pay for the Power Knee, he paid for the Power Knee out of pocket, a rough estimate by my prosthetist totaled well over $96,000. Seeing as out-of-pocket simply isn't a possibility for myself and so many others, I’d love to know who the 6 Million Dollar Man’s health insurance provider was!

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