Grounded in research, invented by experts, tested internationally, and now brought to market to build a world of affordable new possibilities for people with amputations globally.
The All-Terrain prosthetic knee (AT-Knee) is a first-of-its-kind technology that is high functioning, high quality, waterproof and affordable even in developing countries, and will be available in Canada and internationally as of summer 2015.
Developed by Dr. Jan Andrysek, engineer and scientist in the Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the AT-Knee is a step ahead of other prosthetics on the market as a result of 8 years of research and field testing to affordably offer a unique balance between stability, durability and motion, to mimic the movement of a natural knee.
"The right technology can make a significant difference in the lives of people with amputations,” says Dr. Andrysek. “Nearly a decade of research conducted globally in environmentally diverse areas has helped shape the features and unique elements that the AT-Knee offers, which – in addition to giving the wearer the freedom to participate in a fulsome life – also keeps affordability top of mind.”
It is estimated that there are 10 million adults and children in the developed and developing world that require a prosthetic device to walk and physically function. Factors such as an aging population, chronic health problems, violence and poverty can lead to an increase in demand for new prosthetic technologies. In developing countries however, the World Health Organization estimates only 5-15% have access to a prosthetic device.
At the core of the AT-Knee lie two novel control mechanisms, developed from years of biomechanics and human movement-related research. The first, the stance-phase controller, uses a locking mechanism that responds to the amputee’s walking patterns to provide a stable limb when required. The second control mechanism, the swing-phase controller, consists of a unique variable friction mechanism that provides smooth knee flexion and extension during walking. These mechanisms are packaged into a lightweight, durable and waterproof design to enable mobility that is versatile, efficient, natural in appearance and safe.
To bring this innovative product to market, LegWorks was formed last year. Comprised of Dr. Andrysek and experts in the fields of prosthetics, social entrepreneurship, affordable medical device delivery, and business management, LegWorks is bringing the AT-Knee to market this summer. LegWorks will partner with prosthetic clinics, distributors, NGOs, and government rehab facilities worldwide to reach those in need. As an organization, LegWorks is focused on helping people walk again and empowering independence through mobility.
“As a Co-founder of LegWorks and a user of the AT-Knee for two years, I’m incredibly excited to see this technology hit the market this summer and help others obtain the level of mobility I have achieved” says Brandon Burke, Director of Partnership Development for LegWorks.
To bring the AT-Knee to market, an investment was received from Grand Challenges Canada (which is funded by the Government of Canada), MaRS Innovation, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Ontario Centres of Excellence and private angel investors.
