Sneak Peek: Fillauer to Offer Innovative Orthotic Technology: SPL Orthotic Knee Joint

The SPL (Swing Phase Lock) Knee Joint developed by Basko Healthcare in the Netherlands has been released to European markets. The SPL is a part of the Basko IQ component line and will be available exclusively from Fillauer Inc. in the US and Canada. The SPL will be released to the US and Canada at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) meeting October 9-12, 2002, in Chicago, Illinois.

In a review of conventional static-type orthotic knee joints, the effect on the gait can clearly be seen. It is often necessary for the individual wearing a conventional type of orthosis to circumduct or hip-hike to force the leg to move forward. This type of movement results in greater energy expenditure during ambulation, while causing an unnatural gait. The new SPL solves these problems. The SPL is designed to function unaffected by floor conditions, foot placement, or ankle movement. The SPL can be used in most current lower-extremity orthoses.

In addition to a more natural gait, the joint has the ability to provide safe and secure support while standing to compensate for a weak or failed knee, yet provides a free swing-through during the swing phase of gait. The joint does not require heel contact to function. The SPL joint is protected against accidental bending and can also be operated and locked manually. The locked position can only be released manually by the remote control or automatically when an extension force is applied.

The locking and unlocking of the knee joint is determined by an internal mechanism that responds to the angle of the joint in the sagittal plane. It is the position of the mechanism that determines at which point the knee joint will lock or unlock. With reference to the hip, locking takes place in extension and unlocking takes place in flexion. Locking occurs prior to heel strike or at the end of swing phase, thus creating the Swing Phase Lock.

The swing phase lock is incorporated into the brace on the lateral side and a swing phase control joint can be used medially to control excessively strong flexion.

Function of the SPL can be adjusted by the convenient remote control. The remote control can be installed on the orthosis or hooked on a belt or clothing, enabling the user to operate the knee joint while upright.

For more information, contact: Fillauer, Inc.®, 2710 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421; 423.624.0946 or 800.251.6398; e-mail: fjenkins@fillauer.com

Table Of Contents - July 2002

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