Most people lead busy lives, and the last thing they want to think about is how to cope with stairs or avoid a fall. Thankfully the new RHEO KNEE thinks for itself, recognizing and responding immediately to even the subtlest changes in ground surface, speed and direction.
Reliable and safe, the new RHEO KNEE represents modern technology at its best. It continuously adapts itself to a person’s walking style and environment, liberating users to concentrate on what they want to do, not how they need to walk.
RHEO KNEE user Dave Leeka tells his storyWhat's more, Össur's unique bionic technology means this knee never stops learning. As a result, its movements get smoother and more attuned to the individual with every step taken.
It deals well with tight spaces and turns, adjusting instantly to a faster or slower pace. The knee is also surprisingly easy to use. Once it is on and in motion, it barely requires a second thought.
The fast, ultra-smooth movement, when the knee extends forward, feels exceptionally natural. Very secure on stairs, it also contributes to improved gait on level ground. With multiple safeguards incorporated into the design, the new RHEO KNEE is far less likely to give way at crucial moments. Any disturbances in the walking path are recognized automatically and support is activated instantly to protect the user from a potential stumble and fall.
The strong, lightweight design has a streamlined, anatomical shape for easy cosmetic covering.
Who it is for:
- People with good voluntary control of their residual limb.
- Those who are reasonably active*.
- People who weigh up to 275lb / 125kg.
*Not suitable for very high active/impact activities.
The technical stuff
Force and position sensors in the RHEO KNEE monitor where and how the device is moving at a rate of 1000 times per second, while high speed load cells and angulometers detect the slightest of changes in load, speed and terrain. All this information is fed into a unique form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which works out the best response to whatever is happening at any given moment. The AI learns continuously about the walking style of its user, which helps to develop and constantly improve its performance.
The knee gets its name from the Magnetorheological fluid used at the very heart of the system to help vary resistance levels throughout each and every step. Unlike hydraulic systems, resistance is activated only when the individual needs it, allowing for a more natural, smoother motion with walking effort reduced to a minimum.
For the full technical lowdown, visit Össur's Bionic Website
Instant, automatic response to a changing environment.
If you think the RHEO KNEE could be the solution you have been looking for, discuss it as an option with your prosthetist.