Horton Unveils Electronic Stance Control Orthotic Knee Horton Technology Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas,
unveiled an electronic version of the Stance Control Orthotic Knee"
joint (SCOKJ) during the National Assembly of the American Orthotic
and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) in October. Polio survivor Paul
Ellis demonstrated how the Smart Knee® enables him to walk up
and down ramps safely despite knee paralysis and profound weakness
in both legs.
The Smart Knee shown during the AOPA meeting had electric
solenoids retrofitted onto the joints where the mechanical push rod
is normally attached. A heel switch combined with eight standard AA
batteries automatically engages and disengages the flexion locks.
Reportedly, the final version will have micro-solenoids integrated
inside the standard joint housings. The Smart Knee is currently
undergoing final clinical trials in the US and will be commercially
available in early 2003.
Horton's has also developed a small adapter kit that connects
its control rods to the posterior channel of a Becker Double Action
Ankle Joint. The standard Becker spring provides a dorsiflexion
assist; two degrees of motion are sufficient to trigger the stance
control knee jointsa simple way to control these joints.
The mechanically actuated Stance Control Orthotic Knee, released
in January 2002, was enthusiastically received by rehabilitation
professionals. The Stance Control knee joint prevents the knee from
collapsing as the patient walks and automatically releases to
permit unimpeded knee flexion during the swing phase of gait.
For more information, visit www.stancecontrol.com 
Table Of Contents - December 2002
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