What Are the 6 Different Types of Prosthetic Knee Joints?

After the above knee amputation, you may feel hopeless because you cannot do what you have already done. With advanced technology, you can go forward to the next level. Many people adapt prosthetics, finding new ways to stay active and live happy lives. Prosthetic knee joints enable movement with confidence and free-flowing natural motion.

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This blog will explain the types of prosthetic knees, their workings, and essential factors when selecting one. Whether for you or those looking to assist a loved one transitioning in life after the amputation, remember that the right choice of limb enables ease in everyday movements.

What are Prosthetic Knee Joints?

Knee joint is one of the most significant joints in the human body. It links the femur to your tibia, allowing you to stand straight, walk, and even balance yourself. The decision to remove this crucial joint due to above-knee amputation, whether from trauma, diabetes, or other medical conditions, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Above-knee amputation impacts mobility and functionality, but prosthetic knees are a game-changer.

Artificial knee joints come equipped with additional capabilities that allow them to deliver the ability to move and incorporate seamlessly back into everyday activities with the confidence to live your own life. See how these technologies transform problems into possibilities for well-being and meaningful life.

What are the 6 Types of Prosthetic Knee Joints

1. Manual locking knee joint: The locking system is stiff and can only be unlocked when a release mechanism is used. It can be more useful in the early stages of rehabilitation to help the user gain more confidence.  
2. Single-axis knee joint: The most common knee joint works in the single-axis when the knee bends and straightens.  
3. Polycentric knee joint: It comforts you with multiple axes of rotation or pivot points that allow for more natural movements.
4. Pneumatic knee joint: It relies on air to assist in flexing and extending muscles at the knee joint. It has an inner piston, while an outer cylinder accommodates air inside. During the piston stroke, it pumps the air, controls the pressure on the knee, and allows the amputee to walk at different speeds.
5. Hydraulic knee joint: This prosthetic knee joints is articulated, and the hydraulic system regulates knee movements. It is an artificial limb that imitates the knee’s functionality. The joint has a piston within a cylinder filled with fluid to stabilize the knee so that it does not swing, and a rubber bumper compresses the stance phase and creates resistance.
6. Microprocessor-controlled knee: This type of artificial knee employs a computer to analyze the users’ requirements and consequently coordinate the knee motion to emulate a regular walk. Usually, it recognizes a misstep and increases the knee’s stiffness, allowing you to traverse terrains. You can control these kinds of microprocessor artificial knees in different ways, such as by controlling the swing phase only, the stance phase only, or both the swing and stance phases.

Top Features and functionalities of the knee joint

• Adjustable flexion and extension: The model is designed for your flexibility requirements.
• Stability mechanisms (stance phase stability): It guarantees stability and helps movement throughout the stance phase.
• Swing phase control: Improves stability and fluidity of the walk during the swing phase.
• Customizable settings for different activities: Innovative and versatile, these settings are suitable for walking, sports, and any other time frame.

Material and Design Considerations Before Choosing One

1. Lightweight materials: Extra options like titanium and carbon fiber ensure the comfort and ease of daily use of the above-knee artificial limb.
2. Durability and weather resistance: They are designed to withstand demanding and challenging climates and deliver optimum performance in any environment.
3. Aesthetic designs: Cosmetically appealing prosthesis that fit specific shapes and sizes perfectly balance form and function for your above-knee artificial leg.

Fitting and Alignment of Prosthetic Knees

• Proper alignment ensures a natural gait and maximum comfort, optimizing the movement of the knee joint when using a prosthetic leg.
• Prosthetists’ expertise is vital for precise fitting and customization, ensuring seamless integration of the knee joint for smooth motion.
• Initial fitting challenges involve fine-tuning the knee joint alignment to overcome discomfort and achieve the perfect fit for a prosthetic leg above knee.

Biomechanics of Artificial Knee Joints

1. Mimicking natural gait: The modern prosthetic knees are designed to approximate the mechanical properties of natural knee joints to facilitate the motion of prosthetic joints.
2. Load distribution and stability: Knee joint movement ensures objects are well distributed in contact and gives support and balance during usage.
3. Impact on hip and ankle joints: Similarly, in the case of an above-knee prosthetic limb, a knee effectively distributes the load from the hip and the ankle, thereby promoting mobility.

Top 3 Benefits of Using Artificial Knee Joints

• Improved mobility and balance: It makes daily movements easier, including walking and climbing stairs.
• Participation in sports and activities: Facilitates running, cycling, or yoga, and other favorite activities and hobbies can be retained.
• Enhancing confidence and quality of life: It boosts confidence by enabling natural, comfortable movement in social settings, allowing you to engage with others effortlessly and focus on the moment.

Conclusion

Amputation alters life, whether the individual desires it or not, and a prosthetic knee joints means getting a do-over. High-tech prosthetic knees combined with professional fitting let you move again, improve your quality of life, and help you feel whole. From walking to all other activities, such prosthetic innovations guarantee that individuals can use every activity without restraint.

KARE Prosthetics and Orthotics Solution

KARE Prosthetics and Orthotics solution provides quality prosthetic and orthotic devices to wear and practice transitioning to the device. Our new technologies ensure you get the mobility aid that suits your way of life. For your prosthetic needs, visit KARE near you for quality health care and services.

We guarantee all your needs and the best care to attain higher mobility and independence. As a team or company, we strive to be your partner in achieving your goals!

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Evolve Prosthetics & Orthotics in Las Vegas offers the best solutions to meet our clients’ needs when it comes to knee prosthetics. We will work hard to find the best prosthetic knee solution for you and ensure it fits correctly.

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Options For Every Patient

Many factors influence the type of knee prosthesis you might need, including amputation, age, and activity level. We can even help with knee disarticulation, which is a rare case when the amputation happens at the knee joint itself, rather than the femur. We offer many options in our Las Vegas prosthetics clinic.

• Single Axis
• Manual Locking
• Weight Activated
• Polycentric
• Pneumatic & Hydraulic
• Microprocessor

Single Axis Knees

This option is the most basic type of hinged prosthetic knee. The advantages of these knees are that they are simple to use and durable. They are also typically lighter than their counterparts. Single axis knees can be used with a manual lock or constant friction control.

Manual Locking Knees

A manual locking knee is the most stable option. It provides an automatic locking option with the ability for you to unlock it manually. This may be a great choice for unstable patients or those who need to gain more strength before trying a different type of prosthetic knee. Manual locking knees are also suitable for those who frequently walk on rough terrain and are more active.

“Safety Knees”

Weight-activated stance-control knees work by locking the joint while weight is placed on the prosthesis. It bends as the load is shifted. Many times this is the first prosthetic prescribed for a patient. It’s also commonly used by older or less active patients and those who need to regain muscle strength.

Polycentric Knees

These types of prosthetics offer four or seven axes of rotation, with four being the most common. This level of versatility offers stability while also providing more range of motion. You can comfortably sit down with a bent knee with this prosthesis, which is not always the case with other types. Polycentric knees can be heavier, though, and do not yield as easily on ramps or stairs.

Pneumatic Vs. Hydraulic Knees

These knees control motion via pistons filled with either air (pneumatic) or fluid (hydraulic). The purpose of these types of knees is to control flexion when walking at different paces. They store energy and release it as needed. These are great options for very active individuals. They can also be combined with computerized or microprocessor knees.

Microprocessor Knees

Microprocessor knees are also known as computerized knees. They combine the best of modern technology, including software, batteries, sensors, and a hydraulic or pneumatic system. The sensors gather information and make adjustments based on different environments and your needs.

Microprocessor prosthetics are state-of-the-art and offer the most versatility of all the options available. They can, however, be heavier, more fragile, and more expensive than other types of knee prostheses.

Find Custom Knee Prosthetics In Las Vegas

You can trust Evolve Prosthetics & Orthotics to help you find and fit the right knee prosthetic for you. We are conveniently located in the Las Vegas metro area. Contact us today for an appointment or stop by our clinic. We would love to assist you in finding and customizing the prosthesis you need.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Manual Locking Knee Joint for Prosthetics.