Ossur’s biomechanical and clinical expertise was coupled with cutting-edge technologies provided by its development partner Victhom Human Bionics (Quebec, Canada) to design the world’s first powered prosthetic knee joint. The POWER KNEE is the first lower extremity prosthetic that replaces natural muscle strength with artificial power to reproduce natural and effortless gait allowing for unprecedented function.

Sense
An advanced array of sensors, including gyroscopes, pressure cells, load cells and angle sensors are housed in the POWER KNEE and the Artificial Proprioception Module on the sound leg. Together, this enables the device to continuously observe the whole state of the human-prosthetic interface. Data is continuously streamed to the microprocessor which responds in a human like way. This is as close as any device has come to replacing the function of the mechanoreceptors lost following amputation. Combinations of movements inform the POWER KNEE when the user requires a seamless transition between different events.

Think
In order for a human-system interface to operate in harmony, it must rely on the system having the necessary resources to address and respond to its environment. Artificial Intelligence (AI) housed in the multiple microprocessors provides the POWER KNEE with autonomous function. Information provided from the Sound Side Sensory Control allows the POWER KNEE to regenerate the true kinematics of gait while also anticipating the required function when the walking conditions change. Between the POWER KNEE and the Sound Side Sensory Control, the system continuously monitors and maintains symmetry between the two sides.

Act
The POWER KNEE is the world’s first knee that replaces lost muscle function through active power source allowing for actions that include level ground walking where it restores the propulsion for gait dynamics and also during activities like standing from a chair or ascending stairs where it can power the knee motion to allow these unprecedented functions to occur. Managed by output from the Artificial Intelligence the amount of power and speed of motion are controlled to match the sound side and restore symmetry.

The Medical Benefits
• Symmetry is achieved through equal power on both sides of the body
• Gait deviations are broken and natural gait dynamics are restored
• Muscle function is replaced and energy is regained
• Seamless transition between walking, sitting, standing or stepping
• Navigating uneven terrain becomes easier and more natural
• The power motion reduces strain on the body and increases energy efficiency