Your patient can walk smoothly and stand securely with the Free Walk system. This special Otto Bock orthosis system locks the knee joint during the stance phase and is automatically released for the swing phase.
Doctors & TherapistsSupportive Bracing and Soft OrthosesOrthoses for Paralyses Knee / Ankle / Foot
Walk smoothly and stand securely with the Free Walk system. This special Otto Bock orthosis system locks the knee joint during the stance phase and is automatically released for the swing phase. Patients can bend their leg and thus require less energy when walking. This orthosis reduces stress on the back, hips and knee joint. Unlike traditional orthoses, the Free Walk effectively reduces unnatural movements caused by hyperextension of the joint along with compensatory of the gluteal muscles. Secondary damage such as ligament instabilities and arthrosis pain are prevented.
The Free Walk orthosis is designed for patients with paresis or paralysis of the lower extremities. It can be used by patients weighing up to 120 kg. The Free Walk gives your patients a smooth, almost natural gait pattern. At the same time, it allows for stable and safe standing. A special system controls the orthotic knee joint via the upper ankle joint and the interconnected insole in the foot region. When the patient is walking, the orthosis system is automatically released when the knee is extended just before the toes are lifted from the ground. This causes a dorsal extension of the upper ankle joint, allowing patients to bend and freely swing their leg. The knee automatically locks when the knee is extended before the heel strikes the ground, allowing your patient to walk confidently and stand firmly. The patient can also manually disengage the orthosis (to sit down, for example).
The Free Walk also offers many therapeutic benefits for paralyzed patients. It prevents contractures and immobilization-related joint damage and reduces muscular atrophy. Cardiovascular efficiency is retained for daily activities. In the case of diseases affecting the central nervous system, Free Walk also stimulates unaffected areas of the brain to take over functions such as motor relearning and cortical reorganization. In this way, the Free Walk orthosis helps the patient (re)integrate both socially and professionally. Studies continue to show that the Free Walk orthosis offers considerable advantages over locked orthoses with regard to energy expenditure, walking speed and reduction of stress on the contralateral side.
Featuring a splint guide on one side, the orthosis is also extremely comfortable. Custom fabrication allows for a perfect fit. The Free Walk is also very light, thin and stable, making it inconspicuous under clothing. Thanks to its user-friendly quick closures, the patient can easily don and doff the orthosis. The pads are made from skin-friendly material and are easy to clean. The pad holder on the front of the orthosis allows the patient to sit comfortably with great ease.
The Free Walk orthosis is only recommended if the patient can almost completely extend his or her knee joint before striking the ground with the heel. This movement causes the orthosis system to lock. The muscle strength of the knee extensor (quadriceps) assist or the hip flexor (iliopsoas) assist for the fitted leg should be at least strength level 3. Alternatively, a compensating movement of the hip can be sufficient to swing the leg and orthosis into an extended position.
The patient must also be able to extend the knee joint before pushing off with the foot to allow for a dorsal extension of the upper ankle joint. In this way, the orthosis system automatically locks for the swing phase, and the patient can bend his or her knee. In this case, the muscle strength of the knee or hip extensor assist for the fitted leg should be at least strength level 3. In addition, the upper ankle joint must permit a dorsal extension of at least ten degrees.
Only patients not suffering from uncontrollable spasms may be fitted with the Free Walk orthosis. Varus and/or valus axis deviations in the region of the knee or upper ankle joint should not exceed ten degrees.
Patients with one leg up to seven centimeters (2.75 inches) shorter than the other can use the Free Walk to compensate for this difference. Once again, patients must meet the requirements described above in order to be fitted with this orthosis.
