Prosthetics manufacturer Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics announced this month that two of its high-profile clients, paralympic athletes Kim Robinson and Derik Schutte, have become the first South Africans to be fitted with the Össur Power Knee.

The motorised knee is a smart prosthetic limb with the ability to recognise and memorise its user’s walking style, while making real-time adjustments based on changes in speed, terrain or stride.

Schutte, an above-knee amputee who won a bronze medal in the F42 javelin event at the International Paralympic Committee World Championships, held in Christchurch, New Zealand, at the beginning of the year, was fitted with the Power Knee technology for the first time last week.

“After only two days, I was already able to shift the weight that I usually put on my below-knee side, or good leg, to the above-knee side,” said Schutte.

“We are honoured to be the first in South Africa to offer the Össur Power Knee, as well as similar bionic technology, to our clients. Our aim is to assist prosthetic users to get back to leading normal, happy and physically active lives. The Power Knee and other advances made in prosthetic technology make it [possible] for persons with amputations to live their lives without limitations,” said Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics CEO Johan Snyders.

Paralympic adaptive rower Robinson, who represented South Africa at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, lost her leg because of cancer and, subsequently, had to undergo hip- replacement surgery to compensate for the added pressure caused by the amputation.

In effect, the Power Knee has the ability to relieve this pressure by restoring muscle capability. Its battery-powered capabilities help to deal with the loss of muscle and asymmetrical movement in people with limb loss, thus protecting users from injury. In Robinson’s case, the Power Knee will limit further damage to her back, her other hip and leg.

Snyders has, since 2007, dedicated himself to providing the highest level of prosthetic care, eliminating prosthetic discomfort and assisting clients in attaining their utmost level of physical mobility through a holistic approach that combines technology and rehabilitation.

“Some of our clients want to participate in sport again and some just want to be able to pick up their children. It is our job to provide each person who comes to us with the right fitting, the right technology and the right support system to help them accomplish this,” concluded Snyders.