"We bring the best that the field has to offer         

              to Maine and if the solutions that you need 

              don't exist, we'll create them for you."

         Voted "Best In Portland" 2008     

May 12, 2009  "Computer knees" have been in the news a lot.  The C-leg from Ottobock has been the computer aided prosthesis of choice for returning soldiers from Iraq.  The C-leg uses a computer that can be programmed by the prosthetist to control a hydraulic cylinder that changes how easily the knee swings.  When strolling along the knee is allowed to move freely but when standing or stumbling the knee becomes "stiff" allowing the person to bear weight on it no matter what position it's in. 

The C-leg is an excellent product but it has limitations; it is essentially a computer piggy-backed on a hydraulic knee from the '60's.  This means that the hydraulic cylinder has many small moving parts requiring frequent maintenance, it is somewhat noisy as the hydraulic cylinders open and close during gait and that only a few prosthetic feet can be used with it.  On the upside it offers tremendous confidence to above knee amputees meaning that walking can become a natural, pleasurable experience again.

Fast forward to the future when the a computer driven knee is 100 times faster, more responsive, learns to adjust to a persons gait by itself, can be used with any prosthetic foot and is significantly more durable because it has almost no moving parts.

Well this future is right here at AtlanticProCare, welcome to Ossur's RHEO knee.

Using a new technology called magneto-rheological fluid, an iron rich liquid is magnetized by an electric field that can be turned on and off thousands of times a second.  As the fluid is magnetized it becomes stiffer and slows the movement of the knee joint.  This allows the self-learning computer to constantly change the knee's swing creating a fluid natural gait.

Often thought of as an expensive, "high-end" product only for the most active people, the reality couldn't be further from the truth. A computer aided knee really means that an amputee can walk without having to think about not falling at every step.  When looked at this way, it's clear that this is a benefit to every patient able to ambulate. 

AtlanticProCare is pleased to have introduced this fascinating technology to Maine.  We have provided the RHEO knee to many of our patients and have secured insurance coverage from both private and government insurers.

If you or someone you know might benefit from this product or any of the other exciting new products that we have available please email us or give us a call toll free at 1-877 538 8825 to talk about how we can help.  We look forward to meeting you.

All initial consultations are free and no-obligation.  For more information about the exciting new options that AtlanticProCare can offer please click here.