NEURO HiTRONIC System Knee Joint
The NEURO HiTRONIC system knee joint is suitable for the production of a custom-made KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthosis) with microprocessor-controlled swing phase and stance phase control. An orthosis with stance phase control and microhydraulics designed specifically for the NEURO HiTRONIC provides a particularly high level of safety for the patient.
During stance as well as in stance phase during gait, the orthosis joint protects the knee from bending unintentionally using hydraulics. In the swing phase, it is unlocked so that the knee is free moving. An integrated air spring supports the forward swing of the lower leg and provides a soft and harmonious feeling during motion. The swing phase is not slowed down, thus achieving a particularly natural gait.
The patented microhydraulics make the orthotic joint small and light. An orthosis with this hydraulic joint fits comfortably under trousers. The NEURO HiTRONIC system knee joint comes with a slim, anatomically shaped controller that contains all the electronics as well as the battery. The controller is discreetly integrated into the lower leg shell of the orthosis. The motion sensors in the controller register the position and movement of the lower leg and signal to the system knee joint when it should lock and unlock. The sensor data is processed 400 times per second by the high-performance microprocessor, which allows the system joint to react extremely quickly to situational changes when walking.
The new technology of the NEURO HiTRONIC system knee joint enables the patient to take the first step with the orthosis leg when changing from stance to gait. This is particularly useful for patients whose legs are both treated with an orthosis with stance phase control e.g. after suffering from paraplegia on both sides.
The system joint is preassembled at an angle of 5°, corresponding to a physiological knee joint angle. Via Bluetooth it is paired with the remote control included in the scope of delivery, which allows the patient to choose between the following modes:
- Auto mode: the system joint is locked for stance phase control when standing. It automatically detects when the patient changes from stance to gait. It thereby secures the knee against unwanted bending during stance phase by automatically locking it. In the swing phase, it automatically unlocks again.
- Free mode: the system joint is permanently unlocked.
- Lock mode: the system joint is permanently locked.
Thanks to Bluetooth, the NEURO HiTRONIC can alternatively be operated by smartphone or smartwatch. The above-mentioned modes can thus be selected via different devices, according to the patient’s preference. For the operation of the system joint via smartphone or smartwatch, the User app can be downloaded free of charge.
The orthotist adjusts the settings of the system joint’s automatic function via the Expert App. Thus, the function of the orthosis can be easily and precisely adapted to the patient’s safety needs and gait. After purchasing the product, the Expert app (for the orthotist) and the User app (for the patient) can be installed on one or more mobile devices.
Additionally to the option of changing the mode via electronic devices, the system joint can also be permanently unlocked (Free mode) mechanically. This is ideal for activities like driving a car or cycling. The patient can unlock the system joint themself by means of a rotary switch under the system joint.
Advantages for the Patient
Splash Protection
The NEURO HiTRONIC orthosis joint and the controller with the electronics are splashproof (IP44), which means that even walks on the beach or cycling with shorts in the rain pose no problem.
Maximum Safety during Stance
The system joint detects small, unintentional steps during stance and remains locked.
Natural Change from Stance to Gait
When the NEURO HiTRONIC system knee joint is used in Auto mode, the ultra-fast high-performance microprocessor registers the change from stance to gait in real time using the sensor data and the controller switches the system joint to the integrated walking mode. If the patient stops or interrupts the step, the NEURO HiTRONIC immediately switches back to stance mode.
Automatic Stance Phase Control during Gait
When walking, the knee is already locked from terminal swing in the stance phases of the gait cycle. The sensor system detects the gait phase regardless of the angle between the lower leg and the ground as well as the knee angle. This ensures that the knee is locked prior to initial contact reliably. This also applies if the foot hits the ground with the knee bent, e.g. due to stumbling or when walking downhill.
The flexion of the knee is prevented in all stance phases up to mid stance. Consequently, the knee can be extended without resistance during swing phase. At terminal stance, the knee is unlocked so that it can be bent starting at pre swing to execute the swing phase. The knee flexion is carried out without resistance, thus achieving a physiological knee flexion in mid swing. Stumbling due to insufficient knee flexion is therefore impossible. The extending movement of the knee in the swing phase is supported by an air spring and results in a smooth and safe gait. In terminal swing, the system knee joint is locked again without play or noise.
When changing between short and long or slow and fast steps, sensors, electronics, microprocessor and hydraulics ensure that the system joint locks and unlocks automatically as described above. In order to adjust the NEURO HiTRONIC to the patient's individual safety needs, the orthotist can set the exact locking and unlocking time via the Expert app.
Advantages of an Orthosis with NEURO HiTRONIC System Knee Joint
- world’s smallest hydraulic orthotic knee joint due to patented micro-hydraulics
- orthosis with this system knee joint can be worn under trousers
- designed specifically for the construction of a custom-made orthosis with full contact – anatomical shape and close fitting to the leg
- special design of the hydraulic joint enables the construction of a lightweight orthosis (1.35–1.7kg)
- characteristics mentioned in points 1 to 4 prevent disturbing rotational moments on the paralysed patient's leg
- continuous and free of play locking at any knee angle provides maximum safety when walking – ensures smooth, flowing movements even on slopes and uneven ground
- integrated air spring supports the harmonious forward swing of the lower leg during swing phase
- no mechanical locking and unlocking noises
- Bluetooth connection to the supplied remote control, smartphone or smartwatch
- permanent unlocking of the system joint possible, e.g. for driving or cycling
- gait data from the motion sensors is processed 400 times per second by the ultra-fast high-performance microprocessor
- maximum safety for the patient – orthosis reacts immediately to changes in gait, step length and step speed
- first step possible with left or right leg – prevents problems when both legs are treated
- high performance rechargeable battery
- splashproof according to IP44 – combination with the water-resistant NEURO SWING Carbon system ankle joint possible
- no certification required due to FIOR & GENTZ 360° orthotics
- functional analysis and calculation are carried out by the Orthosis Configurator taking all patient data into account
- unilateral construction possible
Downloads
Documents for the NEURO HiTRONIC
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