A new prosthetic which uses a sensory network to improve the way amputees move has been unveiled in Britain. Carl Dinnen meets the first person to use the technology.
Icelander David Jonsson, who lost his leg when he was 19-years-old after battling with bone cancer, said the artificial knee has revolutionised his life and could end up being used by amputee soldiers.
The motorised prosthetic, which powers itself, allows users to walk naturally by following the motions of the body, automatically adjusting itself to the amputee’s stride, speed and walking surface.
Mr Jonsson said: “I love it… It has meant that I can continue my hobbies, which include going to the gym, walking in the countryside and shot put. It has given me the confidence to walk up mountains: I did an 800m climb recently.”
He added: “It assists me get to the next step, it assists me up stairs and getting up from a chair. It also gives me a more natural walking style.”
Because the human body is designed to balance its weight between two active legs, amputees often experience premature wear and tear on their remaining leg. The Power Knee’s creators believe that their product – which commands the not inconsiderable cost of £25,000 per unit – will prevent the problem developing.
The Ministry of Defence told Channel 4 News it is interested in the potential of the Power Knee for military amputees, now that the product has arrived in the UK.
An MoD Spokesman said: “We are always interested in technological developments that will help our personnel. The prosthetics patients receive are be based on their clinical need following their consultant’s advice.”