Microprocessor-controlled leg prosthesis system for active transfemoral amputees.
High-Tech for more Quality of Life – The C-Leg Leg Prosthesis System
At a Glance
- Fully microprocessor-controlled leg prosthesis system
- Automatic real time adaptation to various step speeds, lengths, and frequencies
- High level of safety and minimal risk of falling on all surfaces
- Best possible resemblance to the natural gait pattern
- Even load on both legs resulting in relief of the contralateral side
- Significantly reduced energy expenditure when walking
- C-Leg mobility warranty
- Suitable for Mobility Grades 3 and 4
The C-Leg is the world's first fully microprocessor-controlled hydraulic leg prosthesis system. Through the use of unique C-Leg Technology, it has set a new standard for comfort, safety, and regained mobility for transfemoral amputees.
High Level of Safety and Dynamics
The C-Leg adapts to needs of the prosthesis wearer in real time. Therefore the C-Leg offers decisive advantages compared to conventional prostheses: The knee joint reacts immediately to various step speeds, lengths, and frequencies as well as uneven surfaces. Thus, the C-Leg offers your patient significantly greater responsiveness combined with the highest level of stability during everyday and leisure time use. And while uneven surfaces can cause falls for users wearing conventional prostheses, such falls can often be avoided with the C-Leg.
A study concerning 108 transfemoral amputees fit with the C-Leg shows that 101 patients described significant improvement. In particular, the marked improvement in protection against sudden buckling of the prosthesis was emphasized. The high security potential of the C-Leg in many situations, such as when navigating stairs, inclines, and uneven surfaces, resulted in an expansion of the actively used living space for many amputees and therefore contributed to an improved quality of life. Also, integration into private and professional groups was improved due to a significant increase in self-esteem.
Less Concentration on the Prosthesis Required
In addition, less concentration on the prosthesis is required with the C-Leg than with conventional knee joints, so your patient can once again focus on the important things in life. Even stumbling, walking in darkness or dense crowds no longer present insurmountable problems for the amputee. The C-Leg system is secured by a high level of stance phase resistance. The knee joint switches to the swing phase only when required. A special mode (2nd mode) makes it possible to set the C-Leg for certain activities such as cycling.
An additional advantage: The gait pattern of the C-Leg wearer comes very close to the natural model. Your patient distributes the load evenly over both legs, which provides relief for the contralateral side. Gait analysis comparisons have shown that better symmetry and a lower level of stress was achieved with the C-Leg when compared to conventional knee joints. There is also a significant decrease in the load placed on the contralateral side when going down stairs, compared to conventional joints.
Low Energy Expenditure
In addition, years of experience have shown that the C-Leg wearer requires less energy to walk. A study of metabolic energy consumption showed that walking with the C-Leg, especially in the medium and slow speed ranges that are generally seen during everyday use, makes a significantly lower energy expenditure possible compared to conventional prostheses.
Copyright by Ottobock © 2013
