Simply Better – The 3R60 EBS Knee Joint

• Special EBS feature: Much closer to the physiological gait pattern
• Smaller, lighter, and with optimized swing phase hydraulics
• Suitable for all amputation levels
• Suitable for mobility levels 2 and 3

EBS stands for Ergonomically Balanced Stride. We improved this proved, unique construction - which has proven itself thousands of times - even further with this new generation of the 3R60.

Prosthesis users want to be able to walk safely, comfortably, and in a natural manner. The gait pattern should be as similar as possible to a physiologically healthy model. With the 3R60 EBS Knee Joint, users are well on their way. Controlled knee flexion up to 15° during heel strike is a decisive factor. You can individually adjust knee flexion during stance phase for every type of gait. This relieves the residual limb, hips, and spine of the prosthesis wearer and results in additional stability.

Special Function in the Stance Phase

With polycentric knee joints, the instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) is located where the extensions of the posterior and anterior knee axes cross (Illustration 1). The location of the center of rotation during impact determines the safety of the prosthesis. In this part of stance phase, the proximal joint components of the 3R60 swing dorsally around the lower axis (Illustration 2A), which in turn causes the ICR to be shifted in the proximal and dorsal direction (Illustration 2, B).

Compared to other prosthesis knee joints, knee safety of the prosthesis increases significantly with knee flexion. The blue rubber bumper of the EBS unit is compressed while the pivoting mount moves up (Illustration 2, C). This pivoting mount serves as a visual control for measuring the efficiency of the EBS function (Illustration 3). A hydraulic system within the EBS unit ensures a dampening effect towards the end of the standing phase and therefore ensures more comfortable walking.

Optimized Swing-Through Phase Control

An innovative hydraulic system controls the behavior of the knee joint during swing phase. The dampening values of the hydraulic system are based on gait analysis investigations. For the user, this mainly means that he or she can easily initiate swing phase and can use a wide range of walking speeds. Flexion and extension dampening can be individually adapted to the requirements of the prosthesis wearer.
The special polycentric structure makes it possible to sit down easily without targeted load relief, and also offers more ground clearance during swing-through. This increases safety and comfort.
The new generation of the 3R60 is smaller and, with a weight of 845 grams, also lighter than its predecessor. Four modular adapters are available for the joint, so that you can fit all amputation levels.

The construction received the reddot design award – an international seal of quality for design  – in 2005.