The Clinical Advantage of Avior by Blatchford
Avior is fully IP65-rated, offering protection against dust and moisture. This is a key feature for users navigating outdoor environments or dealing with unpredictable weather. This can be great for patients looking to get back into yard work. More than durable, Avior is intelligent. It responds in real time to changes in gait, surface, and terrain, giving users the support they need when and where it matters most.
“Seemed to be a very successful fitting and programming. We went right to yield/free and he took off.” – Barry, Prosthetist, Idaho
Clinicians can begin the fitting process using one of three pre-configured base modes, each optimized for common user presentations. (Learn more here) These configurations drastically reduce setup time, giving you a strong starting point tailored to each patient’s needs. From there, Avior allows precise adjustments to parameters like stance flexion, swing extension control, and dynamic slope or stair descent features.
“My patient is really enjoying the seat-to-stand and stand-to-seat function.” – Sarika Parmar, Prosthetist, Brighton
These refinements enhance user stability, promote smoother transitions through the gait cycle, and ultimately contribute to fall prevention – a critical outcome in the K2 population. Avior is designed to instill confidence in patients who are still regaining trust in their mobility, whether they’re returning to walking short community distances or simply navigating daily indoor routines.
From a clinical perspective, what truly sets Avior apart is its integration with SMARTSTEP®, Blatchford’s innovative remote gait analysis platform. SMARTSTEP delivers real-world performance data right to the clinician, without requiring patients to be physically present in the clinic.
With SMARTSTEP, practitioners can review data such as step count, cadence, symmetry, and stance-to-swing ratios across various timeframes. These metrics not only aid in fine-tuning the knee’s function but also help validate the selection of a microprocessor knee for reimbursement and documentation.
This remote insight is especially valuable for patients in rural areas, those with transportation challenges, or clinics with high patient volumes. Instead of waiting weeks for an in-person gait check, SMARTSTEP allows practitioners to make targeted adjustments based on how the patient is truly walking in their everyday life.
“I’m glad it’s polycentric, just what we needed.” – Charles, Prosthetist, Wisconsin
In addition to its smart control and remote tools, Avior’s lightweight frame makes it stand out. One of the most significant advantages Blatchford brings to every device we design is our pioneering use of carbon fiber. First introduced into prosthetic devices by Blatchford, this material allows for an extremely strong, durable, yet lightweight design – a key factor in improving comfort and reducing fatigue for users.
Blatchford’s legacy has always been about pushing boundaries and improving lives through innovation. With Avior, we are not just delivering a new MPK, we are delivering a smarter, more adaptable tool for today’s clinical challenges. It’s a step forward for both clinicians and patients, and it represents a new evolution in mobility technology for the K2 population.
