Össur announces next-generation PROPRIO FOOT intelligent prosthesis

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND — February 06, 2019 — Össur, a global leader in orthopedic and prosthetic technologies for over four decades, is launching a new, next-generation version of its revolutionary Proprio Foot®microprocessor ankle (MPA). Proprio Foot was the world‘s first microprocessor ankle when it was originally launched in 2006 and the new version incorporates user feedback and learnings gathered over the past decade from amputees and clinicians worldwide.

A part of Össur’s family of Bionic Technology-driven products, the motorized Proprio Foot has artificial intelligence that enables it to sense and respond to changes in its user’s walking style and terrain. The new Proprio Foot adapts faster than the previous model, helping users walk naturally and comfortably on a variety of terrains, including stairs and ramps.

Reducing the Risk of Tripping and Falling

Amputees tend to fall more often than their able-bodied counterparts. According to a study conducted by W.C. Miller at University of British Columbia, more than half of all amputees reported having fallen in the prior year. According to Sigurdsson, Proprio Foot was designed to mimic natural foot motion and to reduce the risk of trips and falls by using motor-powered ankle motion during swing phase to provide increased toe clearance.

Amputees tend to fall more often than their able-bodied counterparts. According to a study conducted by W.C. Miller at University of British Columbia, more than half of all amputees reported having fallen in the prior year. According to Sigurdsson, Proprio Foot was designed to mimic natural foot motion and to reduce the risk of trips and falls by using motor-powered ankle motion during swing phase to provide increased toe clearance.

“Proprio Foot has been designed to reduce the risks of trips, stumbles and falls by providing increased minimum toe clearance in mid-swing. It also automatically detects the level of terrain inclination and adjusts the ankle position appropriately, allowing users to walk more easily regardless of terrain,” Sigurdsson said.

In prior field testing, Proprio Foot users reported fewer stumbles and falls, in part because the prosthesis’ active swing phase dorsiflexion provided increased minimum toe clearance, making it more comparable with anatomical feet. The result was a 70% reduction in reported falls.

Sleek, Streamlined Design and More Power

The new Proprio Foot’s streamlined biomechanical design is based on Össur’s dynamic Pro-Flex® LP foot module, which provides up to 44% more peak ankle power and a 23% increase in range-of-motion over the previous generation. Other key design features include an integrated battery capable of providing 18-36 hours of use before requiring recharge, and automatic ankle alignment to help the user maintain proper alignment across a variety of everyday footwear.

Weatherproof and appropriate for use in wet or humid conditions, Proprio Foot is compatible with Össur’s UnityTM vacuum and seal-in system, which provides secure suspension and volume management. It is indicated for low to moderately active amputees weighing up to 275 lbs. (125 kg).

The new Proprio Foot features an upgraded Össur Logic app available via smart phone or tablet, which enables prosthetic professionals to easily set up and program the prosthesis, adjust functionality for each user, and collect valuable user activity reports. The app also lets users quickly check their battery and step count, plus adjust their ankle alignment to accommodate changes in footwear.