Nov. 18, 2010

DoD Announces bionic lower leg system that replaces lost muscle function

FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS (Nov. 17, 2010) - Brooke Army Medical Center
(BAMC) will host a press conference at the Center for the Intrepid
(CFI) at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 to demonstrate the  PowerFoot
BiOM by iWalk, a bionic lower leg system to restore lost muscle function of the
lower limb in service members.


The bionic technology system actually replaces the action of the foot,
ankle and calf muscles that work together to propel individuals forward
while walking. While a traditional prosthesis can store energy and then
return it, the bionic lower leg system actually produces energy.


"Promising results indicate the bionic lower leg system is able to match
the intact human limb, allowing for greater walking efficiency and
reduced stress on the rest of the body," said Dr. Jason Wilken PT, PhD,
and Director of the Military Performance Laboratory at the CFI.


"This could mean a great reduction in energy expenditure throughout the
day and normalization of the motion and forces experienced by the lower
limb," he said.  "These changes may preserve the sound side over the
amputees' lifetime."


Preliminary results from initial patient testing show that when a
unilateral below the knee amputee is walking at comfortable speeds using
the prosthesis, the powered ankle matches the function of the uninjured
side.


Featured press conference guest speakers will include Dr. James Ficke,
BAMC's Chief of Orthopedic and Rehabilitation; Wilken; John Fergason
CPO, Chief of Prosthetics along with a demonstration by wounded
Warriors.


Since funding for prosthetic research started to increased as a result
of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the bionic lower leg system is
the first clinically available prosthetic technology that is actually
clinically proven to do what the patient says they are feeling, which is
to restore lost muscle function.


Funding for the leg was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
Department of Defense, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research
Center (TATRC), and the innovation of the MIT Biomechotronics lab.


Media interested in covering this event should arrive at the Binz
Engleman off I-35 at 8:00 a.m. to be escorted to the conference.