Ossur has announced that LTC Greg Gadson was fit last week at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., with the second generation of the Power Knee by Ossur, the first technology to use sensors, power, artificial intelligence and actuators to provide amputees with the ability to walk naturally and safely without even thinking about it.

Working closely with Walter Reed Army Medical Center and in collaboration with partner Victhom Human Bionics, Ossur has developed the next generation of the Power Knee. “The second generation is smaller, sleeker, quieter, lighter and is expected to become widely used by both unilateral and dual amputees,” says Lt. Col. (Dr.) Paul F. Pasquina, chief of the Integrated Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center.

Gadson is the first in the world to receive the commercially-ready prosthetic knees and will soon be followed by other patients at Walter Reed. Gadson was serving in Baghdad in May 2007 when the truck he was riding was struck by a bomb, leaving him on the side of the road bleeding and in and out of consciousness. Ten days later, he was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center with first his left leg amputated, then his right.

“LTC Gadson was a leader on the football field at West Point. He was a leader to his battalion in combat. And he’s been a leader in our rehabilitation environment,” adds Pasquina.

“It’s sort of like driving a school bus and then someone puts you in a sports car,” Gadson explains. “You still know how to drive, but it’s quite a different feeling. I just hope this is a path for people to really expand their lives.”

How Does It Work?

Advanced Torque and Accelerometer Sensors: Through advanced sensor technology, optimized safety is realized as Ground Contact Sensors allow the user to control and manage the action of walking naturally without thinking about it. The Power Knee will provide maximum support in any given angle of flexion as soon as contact with the ground is established. This is essential for amputees who feel unstable or need to walk with canes.

Artificial intelligence: The artificial intelligence of the Power Knee operates on high and low-level layers in order to continuously observe the whole state of the respective human-system interface. The improved intelligence allows the prosthesis to focus, even more than before, on user safety, system stability and system adaptability. The user just walks, the prosthesis does the rest.

Actuator Technology: Powered knee motion through actuator technology is possible simply by lifting the thigh muscle. It generates power according to the patients needs to adequately endure different portions of locomotion. Portions requiring specific power management are level ground walking, stair- and incline a- or descending, sitting down and standing up. It also allows amputees to naturally move from a sit to stand movement with ease and without negative impact on the sound side.

The second generation of the Power Knee is now in early commercial release at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where Ossur will work with the rehabilitation team to provide the units to other patients as they become available. A full commercial release is expected by 2010.

Source: Ossur