For over 100 years, Ottobock has strived to develop innovative technology to ensure users achieve their goals no matter where they are in the rehabilitation process. Two innovations that have come together to achieve this mission are the Varos Socket and Kenevo Microprocessor Knee.
Varos Socket
The Varos is a prefabricated adjustable transfemoral socket that can be used for interim or definitive fittings. Since Varos is prefabricated, the prosthetist can custom fit the patient in one appointment, usually within hours. This technology allows new amputees to be fit with their first prosthesis much faster than traditional socket fabrication methods. As a result of this quick fabrication, patients begin rehabilitation even sooner, leading to better results in their outcomes.
Despite being a prefabricated socket, its tailored to consider residual limb characteristics and can be customized for individual patients. One of the highlights of Varos is the Boa fit System, which enables the user to easily adjust for limb volume changes throughout the day, or even for specific activities. Because the user can easily accommodate volume changes, fewer office visits are required for simple socket fit issues.
Kenevo MPK
Kenevo’s launch in 2015 changed the game for low mobility prosthetic users by providing a high level of safety, stability, and functionality in a way that had not been considered for this group. This MPK hosts many unique features specifically suited for the low mobility user, such as Stumble Recover Plus, supported sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit, and stance function.
Recently, Kenevo was updated with new features to further improve functionality and safety:
- A new donning function allows the Kenevo to be easily flexed after removing the charger when utilizing a locked stance mode. The user can safely don their prosthesis while seated and be safe from the moment they stand up.
- The bicycle ergometer function is an intuitive indoor stationary bicycle mode that allows the user to peddle an indoor bicycle during physical therapy or for exercise. This is extremely helpful for new users in their rehabilitation since they no longer need to remove the prosthesis to peddle a stationary bicycle.
- Users with the Kenevo in Mode C now have the option to have additional support on ramps and stairs. With advanced sensor technology, it can automatically detect in real-time when the user is navigating ramps or stair and provide increased stance flexion resistance. This allows for a slower and more controlled descent that gives more confidence to low mobility users to navigate whatever terrain is ahead of them.
A proven way to help new prosthetic users regain their freedom of movement is by combining Varos and Kenevo. This combination is ideal for new prosthetic users since it provides them with both a comfortable socket that can adjust as their limb changes and a microprocessor knee that will provide the safety and functionality they need.
To learn more about this, watch Ottobock’s workshop about the Varos Socket and Kenevo MPK. CEU credits are available for this course!
Written by Mark Profeta, Ottobock Clinical Specialist, Lower Limb Prosthetics.
