Össur Introduces Balance™ Foot Prostheses Specifically For Less-Active People With Limb Loss And Limb Difference

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA – June 11, 2020

Össur, a global leader in prosthetic and noninvasive orthopaedic technology, is launching several new innovations specifically designed to help less-active people with lower limb loss maintain an ideal balance of safety, comfort and mobility.

Össur’s new Balance™ Foot S is a lightweight, waterproof, comfortable fiberglass prosthetic foot featuring a wide sole blade, innovative high-performance foam base that spans the length of the foot, and a unique cushioning foam heel, all to facilitate smooth rollover and sit-to-stand movements, as well as to enhance the user’s perception of stability.

The new Balance™ Foot S Torsion is ideal for low-active walkers who want a lightweight, waterproof comfortable foot for everyday use. It features the same wide sole blade, foam base and cushioning heel, but has the added benefit of a torsion shock unit to help with turning movements, absorb shock and restore lost rotational capabilities.

Appropriate for people with Knee disarticulation, Hip disarticulation, Transfemoral or Transtibial amputation, Össur’s new Balance Foot S and the Balance Foot S Torsion also feature an anatomical foot cover, a steady-grip sole for greater barefoot stability, and a sandal clamping toe that accommodates various types of footwear.

“For many people with limb-loss, age and poor health can significantly impact their mobility as well as their confidence, and ultimately influence their sense of independence. In designing our new Balance feet, we keep these issues at the forefront, so that we could develop solutions to help less-active people feel more secure and comfortable in their prosthesis,” said Jon Sigurdsson, Chairman and CEO of Össur.

Helping Lower-Active Users Cope With Volume Fluctuation

Older and less-active people represent a significant portion of the overall amputee population; according to the Amputee Coalition, vascular disease and Diabetes are the leading cause of amputation among the nearly 2 million people living with limb loss in the U.S. today, representing 54% of all amputations and leading to an estimated 65,000 amputation surgeries each year. Moreover, the total number of amputees is projected to double by 2050, fueled by accelerating rates of aging, obesity, Diabetes and vascular issues. As many as one-fourth of these individuals are projected to eventually develop foot ulcers during their lifetime, placing them at higher risk of eventual amputation [1].

Limb volume changes tend to be prominent among less active people, and may lead to physiological issues and more skin breakdown [2]. This can be further compounded if they also have diabetes or vascular issues, because fluid-transport problems are often part of their condition [3].

In addition to physically impacting the fit, comfort and stability of a prosthesis, changes in residual limb volume can also cause a user to experience emotional distress over their ability to walk confidently.

To help address these issues, Össur recommends using its new Balance Foot S or Balance Foot S Torsion with the Unity® sleeveless elevated vacuum suspension system, which has been designed to provide secure suspension in combination with its while stabilizing volume fluctuations and maintaining comfortable socket fit throughout the day. Össur also is introducing the new Iceross Seal-In® X Locking liner, a seamless textile silicone liner that is compatible with all seal-rings and the Unity system, and suitable for users of all abilities and activity levels.

“We are so pleased to be launching these new prosthetic innovations, which have been designed to help address the specific needs of less-active amputees so they may experience enhanced mobility and continue to enjoy life without limitations,” Sigurdsson said.

About Össur

Össur (Nasdaq Copenhagen: OSSR) is a global leader in non-invasive orthopaedics that help people live a life without limitations. A recognized “Technology Pioneer,” Össur focuses on improving people’s mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies in Prosthetics and Bracing & Supports, by investing significantly in research and product development to create award-winning designs with consistently strong market positions. Successful patient and clinical outcomes are further empowered via Össur’s educational programs and business solutions.  As part of Össur’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility, the company has been a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact since 2011, and also participates in the Nasdaq Nordic and Baltic exchanges’ voluntary guidelines for Environment, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG). Össur is headquartered in Iceland, with major operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and additional distributors worldwide. www.Össur.com

[1] “Roadmap for Improving Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and Advocacy, Recommendations from the 2018 Limb Loss Task Force”

[2] Youngblood et al., “Effects of Activity Intensity, Time, and Intermittent Doffing on Daily Limb Fluid Volume Change in People With Transtibial Amputation,” Prosthetic Orthot Int., Feb 2019

[3] Sanders and Fatone, “Residual Limb Volume Change: Systematic Review of Measurement and Management,” J Rehabil Res Dev, 2011