PROSTHETIC KNEE

JOINTS
Prosthetic knees ,can be divided into mechanical or
computerized .Mechanical knees can then be subdivided into ;
1.Single axis and
2.Multiaxis/Polycentric
knee
• Of all prosthetic components ,the knee system is the most complex .It
must provide the following things ,these are as follows;
1.It must provide reliable support when standing.
2.It must allow smooth and controlled motion when walking
3.It should also permit unrestricted movement for sitting ,
bending and kneeling.
• POLYCENTRIC /MULTIAXIS KNEE.
Mechanism: Polycentric knee is a type of prosthetic knee
with multiple axes of rotation.

This type of knee joint can be four bar knees (4 axes of

rotation)or seven bar knees (7 axes of rotation).Knees of
the most frequent use are of 4 axes .
CENTER OF ROTATION IN
POLYCENTRIC KNEE
• The knees of polyaxial design have one thing in common, Instant
center of rotation (ICR) is situated much higher and posterior than the
mechanical axes when the knee is in extension. This causes high level
of stability in the knee against
involuntary knee flexion during
heel strike.
ADVANTAGES OF POLYCENTRIC KNEE
• It is stable and can be adjusted to be very stable when the patient
goes into stance phase.
• It allows easy swing during swing phase due to its multiple axes.
• It also allows easy sitting down with bent knee due to its multiple axes
DISADVANTAGES OF POLYCENTRIC
KNEE
• Its heavier than a single axis knee.
• It needs more servicing.
• Most polycentric knees do not have stance flexion resistance and
therefore cannot yield during sitting or climbing upstairs
INDICATIONS OF POLYCENTRIC KNEE
• Active users
• Uneven terrain
• KD amputees
CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Less active users
• Below knee amputees
• Some knee joints are specifically designed for KD prosthesis ,these
are like;
1.3R21 prosthetic knee join, and
2.Endolite kxo6.
However most of the knee joints are not specially designed for KD
prosthesis .So to use these polycentric knee joints ,special KD anchors
are designed to lengthen the thigh as little as possible.
3R21 KNEE JOINT
• PRODUCT DETAILS FOR 3R21 KNEE JOINT
MODEL NO: 3R21
MATERIAL : Made of Titanium(Ti) and Stainless steel(Ss)
COLOUR : Silver
HEIGHT : 18 mm in height from knee center to upper edge.
KNEE FLEXION: 110 degrees

This type of knee joint can be used by both indoor and outdoor patients and is designed
mainly for high activity users ( 3 and 4 ).
3R21 KNEE JOINT
KXO6 KNEE JOINT
• PRODUCT DETAILS FOR KX06 ARE AS FOLLOWS;
MODEL NO : KX06
HEIGHT : 10 mm by height
KNEE FLEXION : 160 degrees

This type of knee joint can withstand muddy ,wet and dusty
environments due to its water proof design.
KX06 KNEE JOINT
SINGLE AXIS KNEE JOINT
• MECHANISM: This is a simple hinge type knee.

• During the flexion and extension these articulations execute a simple

rotation around the knee axis. They are of simple design and their
alignment is easy. They are exoskeletal and endoskeleton knees ,
both versions can have manual or automatic blocking of the flexion to
be used in users with poor muscle power.
ADVANTAGES OF SINGLE AXIS KNEE
JOINT
• Its durable.
• Its of light weight.
• Its of low cost
• Its easier to align compared to polycentric knee joint.
DISADVANTAGES OF SINGLE AXIS
KNEE JOINT
• Due to its simplicity the individual has to use his or her muscle power
in the limb to keep the knee stable with heel contact and standing.
• Indications for single axis
1.Patients with good muscle power
2.KD amputees
3.Children who tend to be very energetic
4.Even terrain
.Contraindications for single axis
1.Patients with poor muscle power
2.old patients
3.Uneven terrain
SINGLE AXIS KNEE JOINT
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS IN SINGLE
AXIS KNEE JOINT
• A manual lock can be added to give more stability in standing .A
constant friction control can also be added which will prevent the leg
from swinging through very quickly.