Specialized Prosthetics

The Harmony® System

Our practitioners are certified to fit this unique system which effectively creates an elevated vacuum environment between the socket and liner.

A pump unit helps the system actively regulate the required vacuum within a defined area for every step.  The outstanding adhesion has made it possible for the Harmony® System to prevent residual limb/socket pseudarthrosis and improve the sense of body position.  A child will feel what is happening under his or her prosthetic foot – for more safety in everyday life.

At a glance … the Harmony System …

• monitors residual limb volume

• improves awareness of body position

• enhances residual limb blood circulation

• enables targeted force transmission when walking

• relieves strain on joints and spinal column

Preventing fluctuations in volume

The Harmony® System monitors the volume of the residual limb and simultaneously prevents fluctuations.  Harmony sockets are total surface weight bearing sockets, not conventional specific weight bearing ones.  Pressure peaks in the load areas are prevented and replaced by full contact.  The excellent adhesion between prosthesis and residual limb reduces tissue elongation and displacement.  The step length and stance phase are noticeably shorter than without the vacuum. This facilitates a symmetric gait.

Shock absorber and torsion adapter for more comfort

The Harmony® System also improves residual limb blood circulation.  This is why a Harmony® System is especially good for people with diabetes or vascular disease.  The integrated, adjustable shock absorber and the torsion adapter increase the walking comfort and relieve the strain on joints and spine.

C-LEG®

Our practitioners are certified to provide the C-Leg® to certain below knee amputees.   It is a microprocessor-controlled knee joint system for a new dimension of walking.

The system’s manufacturer, Otto Bock, states that its highest priority when developing the C-Leg® was to provide optimal stability during the gait cycle.  The microprocessor determines the phase of gait.  Then, automatic adjustments are made to the knee’s function to provide stability – right when it’s needed.

…how it works…

• multiple sensors record information 50 times per second – real time.

• the knee angle sensor provides data for dynamic control of swing phase based on whether the wearer is slowing down or speeding up.

• A force sensor in the shin uses toe and heel loading data to determine when it is safe and efficient to move out of stance phase, allowing for the free swing of the leg while being supported on the other limb.

 With many prosthetic knee joints, people have to think (and sometimes worry) about each step they take.  Times have changed.  Thanks to the C-Leg®, they can move more freely in everyday situations – speeding up or slowing down, responding to uneven terrain, tackling slopes or descending stairs.  The security comes from the microprocessor adjusting the knee in real time – not a step early, not a step late.