Ottobock Microprocessor Knees: Trust, Move, Live.

All prosthetic knees are designed to emulate two phases of your natural walking pattern or “gait cycle”:

During stance phase, your foot is on the ground. Your leg is slightly bent, acting as a shock absorber while providing enough resistance to support your weight.

During swing phase, your foot is in the air and swinging forward. Your knee flexes more so that your foot can clear the floor as it swings forward into the next step.

But it’s the way they recreate these phases of gait that separates one type of prosthetic knee from another.

Mechanical knees are usually controlled by a mechanical lock, friction, or pneumatic or hydraulic fluids. Often only body weight is used to activate the stance control mechanism.

Microprocessor knees use sensors, software, and a built-in computer to adjust fluid-based resistance to your unique gait. This makes it easier to walk at varying speeds and safely descend ramps and stairs.

The bottom line? MPKs empower you to walk with a more stable, natural, and efficient gait.

Ottobock launched the first fully microprocessor-controlled knee in 1997 and remains the world’s leading manufacturer of MPKs to this day. Over the last 25 years, we have continually updated our systems based on both scientific research and feedback from users about what they really need.

For example, your prosthetist will program your microprocessor knee to match your walking pattern. Many systems won’t vary from this programmed pattern until they’re checked again. But Ottobock MPKs continually monitor the phases of your gait, adjusting in real time to support you as you speed up or slow down.

Robert enjoys the simple but important things in his life. Being able to plan his day, make breakfast or enjoy the afternoon in the garden. His Kenevo gives him support with adjusting to new situations and mastering everyday challenges.

Günter has loved classic cars since his young age. After the amputation, he knew he didn’t want to give it up. With his Kenevo, he feels stable and secure, which enables him to enjoy his everyday life and follow his passion for cars.

After suffering with a long-term condition, Georg’s amputation has actually created new possibilities for him. He has realized his childhood dream of skiing, discovered a passion for the javelin, and even became a para-athlete. The C-Leg 4 supports him as he plays sports, stays active in his father’s fitness studio, and goes about his daily routines.

Fashion student Rebecca loves to express creativity in every facet of her life. With the C-Leg 4, she was able to customize her shield insert, and now her unique style and personality shine through with each step she takes.

“I’m still the same person,” says Rebecca, “just with a special accessory.”

Axel is a process manager at a waste disposal company. He has a laid-back personality and enjoys a wide variety of activities, from sailing and building houses, to visiting Australia and spending time with his family. And he does it all with his Genium.

“I always wanted to do what everyone else was doing. That’s why I try everything out first. If it doesn’t work, I just do something else.”

There’s nothing more important to Aaron than being able to keep up with his fast-paced family. And as a bilateral amputee, there’s no challenge too great. Whether he’s at work, on a weekend getaway with his kids, or out fishing, Aaron is ready — and excited — for anything.

Hamed’s leg was amputated when he was only six years old — but never let it keep him from leading an active life filled with family, friends, and sports. Always seeking new challenges and setting new goals for himself, Hamed loves how his prosthesis takes him on new journeys and adventures every single day.

As a dedicated mother of two, Kerstin’s life pulls her in every direction imaginable. With her Genium X3, she can keep up at home, in her workouts, playing with her kids, in the water, and wherever else everyday life may lead.

As a student, blogger, and influencer, Réka leads a fast-paced life. She loves being active and feels most free when she’s running or swimming. After starting out on a Genium, which supported a natural gait for her everyday life and sports, she switched to the Genium X3, and now enjoys even more freedom and versatility while doing what she loves.

As John takes his Genium X3 to new heights, the prosthesis adapts and supports his every move — both on land and in water. Watch the video to follow John and his best friend on an adventure through Croatia to see just how powerful and versatile the Genium X3 can be.

Whether she’s at work, enjoying free time in the park, or cruising around the canals of Amsterdam on a boat, Marije embraces every chance to explore her surroundings. Thanks to her waterproof Genium X3 Microprocessor Knee, this vibrant young woman can keep her mind on where she wants to go and trust her prosthesis to get her there.

Michael used the Kenevo to make the most of his therapy. “Gaining confidence was the hardest thing,” he said.

Although it took some time for him to trust the knee joint, he worked with his physiotherapist and learned to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, and more.

Now, Michael wears a Genium X3, works as a logistics specialist, and regularly plays sports with his wife and friends.

Detlef considers himself a homebody – but he also loves taking regular walks and watching his grandson play football. Because of his age, he was concerned that he might have trouble recovering after his amputation. But the Kenevo showed him that he can put his full confidence in a microprocessor knee joint. Now, Detlef feels safe and secure with every step.

Whether he’s indulging in his passion for cars, mowing the lawn, or just planning out his day, Bob wants to know his knee will keep him safe and stable at all times. The Kenevo provides the reliable safety Bob needs to stay as independent as possible.

Description: Those with Level 1 mobility typically use their prosthesis only for transfers or moving slowly on level floors. Walking time and distance are likely very limited due to overall physical condition.

Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand and walk indoors for short periods.

Ottobock MPK Options: Kenevo

Description: Users can typically walk slowly with their prosthesis and negotiate low obstacles, such as curbs, single steps, and uneven surfaces. Walking time and distance are still limited.

Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand and walk both indoors and outdoors.

Ottobock MPK Options: Kenevo, C-Leg, Genium X4

Description: Users can walk with their prosthesis at medium-to-high speeds, vary their speed, and overcome most natural obstacles. They can typically engage in professional, therapeutic, and other activities that don’t put too much strain on their prosthesis. And while there may be an increased need for safety (perhaps due to additional disability or special living conditions) combined with medium-to-high mobility demands, walking time and distance are only slightly restricted.

Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand and walk, both indoors and outdoors, with only mild restrictions.

Ottobock MPK Options: C-Leg, Genium, Genium X3

Description: Users are generally able to walk outdoors with little or no restriction, for any amount of time or distance. Due to high functional demands, significant shock, tension, and distortion can occur.

Therapy Goal: Restore the ability to stand, walk, and move both indoors and outdoors without any limitations.

Ottobock MPK Options: C-Leg, Genium X4