Page 266 - Handbook of Biomechatronics

260 Georgios A. Bertos and Evangelos G. Papadopoulos

Fig. 12 Shock absorbing prosthetic knees. (A) EBS-PRO-Knee from Otto Bock using 3R60
technology (ergonomically balanced stride) provides cushioning during stance-phase
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knee flexion via a small elastomeric bumper, (B) the Total knee 2100 from Ossur simu-
lates a stance phase knee flexion, and (C) the Endolite ESK+ with weight activated
stance control and Stanceflex provides cushioning at heel strike via a small bumper.
((A) From http://www.ottobock.com. © by Otto Bock; (B) From https://www.ossur.com/pros
thetic-solutions/products/dynamic-solutions/total-knee-2100; (C) https://www.endolite.
com/products/endolite-esk-with-pspc.)

5.3 Shock Absorbing Pylons

Miller (1994) and Miller and Childress (1997) analyzed the Flex Foot’s Re-
Flex VSP (Fig. 13). This pylon has a spring-loaded shock absorber, which
adds compliance to the prosthesis during activities in which the plantar
flexors normally aid, such as going up and down stairs and running.
Gard and Childress (1998) have also investigated the mechanical charac-
teristics of shock absorbing pylons. Using the foot-loading apparatus (FLA)
static and dynamic testing was performed on three commercially available
shock absorbing pylons: the Flex Foot Re-Flex VSP (Fig. 13), Ohio Willow
Wood’s Stratus Impact Reducing Pylon, and Seattle Limb System’s
AirStance Pylon.