Technology Trends in Prosthetics: What's New

Prosthetics technology is advancing rapidly through the combination of precision mechanics, electronic sensors, microprocessor chips and intelligent control software. These advances have produced generations of prostheses that replicate natural movement more closely than ever before, offering particular benefit to people with lower-limb loss.

One standout technology is the Linx Integrated Limb System, which combines a hydraulic knee and a hydraulic ankle joint with microprocessor-controlled electronics, letting the two joints work in coordinated harmony to produce a natural gait that automatically adjusts to the user's walking speed. The joints can be reprogrammed to adapt to different conditions and activity levels, from moderate to very high. Similarly, the Endolite Blatchford (UK) S-series multi-axis pneumatic knee (S200–S500) uses pneumatic speed control to provide high stability while standing and flexibility while walking.

Research on microprocessor-/electronically-controlled prosthetic knees shows clear safety benefits: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies covering 2,366 patients, published in Disability and Rehabilitation (2021), found a statistically significant reduction in falls as well as reduced fear of falling among users of advanced-control knees compared with purely mechanical ones. Features such as automatic speed detection, automatic braking on slopes or stairs, automatic stumble recovery, and powered assistance when sitting or standing all contribute to this safety benefit.

Beyond the knee, the EchelonVAC hydraulic ankle with an integrated vacuum pump is a comprehensive solution for below-knee prostheses: the carbon foot absorbs and returns energy at ground contact for a softer gait, while the vacuum-assisted socket system (VASS) creates negative pressure that secures the residual limb to the socket more firmly, reducing torsional forces and pistoning during activity. Lê Ngọc Hoàn, MSPO, founder of Lê Hoàn Prosthetics & Orthotics, published his own research on the effectiveness of a VASS system in a running prosthesis in JPO: Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (2021), documenting benefits in comfort and residual-limb volume stability.

These technologies are now widely used in developed countries such as the UK, the US and across Europe, helping lower-limb amputees not only walk but also take part in sports such as running, basketball, table tennis, badminton and tennis. Component information referenced here comes from Blatchford (UK).

Lê Hoàn Prosthetics & Orthotics keeps pace with and applies the latest prosthetic technologies when consulting with and fitting patients. Call 0985211888 for advice.