If you wish to be fitted with an NHS funded prosthesis you need to contact your local NHS Prosthetist. You will then be assessed individually by your centre’s multi-disciplinary team (MDT). This could include your Prosthetist, Consultant, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. The assessment will aim to gather your full patient history as well as understand the daily activities, needs and challenges you may face as an amputee. A physical examination may also be required. You will need to be able to demonstrate commitment to the rehabilitation programme required for fitting. You will then, along with your care team, outline clear rehabilitation goals you would like to achieve. The goals will be centred around your ability, needs and aspirations and must be able to justify the need for an MPK. Upon the successful completion of the above, your MDT can then organise a trial. Prior to your trial, you may need to be fitted with a new socket. The trial will last four weeks, allowing you to take the prosthesis home and get the feel of what using a C-Leg or Kenevo in daily life is like.

During the trial you may need to attend some physiotherapy sessions, where you will be taught how to get the most out of your MPK. You will also need to prove that you have enough strength and balance to activate the knee as well as sufficient physical fitness to walk outdoors with the prosthesis. You must also be able to master the control, operation and care of an MPK. Your Physiotherapist may also record how you walk on your current prosthesis, compared to your performance during the trial. Referred to as outcome measures, these may include information on your mobility and noticeable changes that have taken place as a result of wearing your MPK. For example, if you have a history of instability documented through falls, stumbles or near misses it is imperative you share this information with your Prosthetist prior to your trial. Studies have found 64% of C-Leg wearers had a reduction in falls compared to wearing a mechanical knee. If the results of your C-Leg trial illustrate a higher level of stability for you, this will be a key finding to support your need for a C-Leg. The easiest way to keep track of this is by keeping a diary of your daily activity. Upon successful trial completion and based on your care team’s recommendations, you may then be eligible to be fitted with an NHS funded MPK.