Ossur Americas’s Newest PROPRIO FOOT(R) Bionic Prosthetic to Be Highlighted at 2011 AAOP Meeting

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PROPRIO FOOT with EVO technology, by ?ssur

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) -

Global medical device innovator Össur will be highlighting the next-generation new PROPRIO FOOT® with EVO™, a recent addition to its Bionic Technology line of advanced, non-invasive orthopaedic technologies, at the 37th Annual Scientific Session and Meeting of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, March 16-19, 2011.

The world’s first intelligent, motorized foot module, PROPRIO FOOT provides unprecedented physiological benefits for transtibial amputees, including a wide, automated range of ankle flexion with proven Flex-Foot® dynamics.

Like the other innovations in Össur’s Bionic Technology line, PROPRIO FOOT features the latest biomechanical design and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, creating a “smart” prosthetic that is capable of thinking for itself, responding to changing terrain, and transforming a user’s approach to stairs and slopes, as well as level-ground walking.

“Össur’s PROPRIO FOOT has been designed to mimic natural sensory and motor control functions, and to more accurately reproduce biomechanical function that may have been lost due to amputation,” said Mahesh Mansukhani, president of Össur Americas.

According to Mansukhani, PROPRIO FOOT’s design is intended to replicate the sensory experience and functionality of a natural foot and ankle, so users can experience a more symmetric and confident gait as well as enhanced safety. “Because PROPRIO FOOT can learn its user’s walking style, amputees no longer have to continuously focus on foot placement; the prosthetic automatically adjusts for them with every step,” he said.

PROPRIO FOOT users report experiencing reduced fatigue and residual limb stress, and fewer of the wear and tear issues involving the back, hips and knees typically associated with compensating for other prosthetics. The next-generation new PROPRIO FOOT also adjusts to accommodate various heel heights, and automatically angles itself in order to help amputees sit and stand more easily and naturally.

PROPRIO FOOT recently became the only powered prosthetic foot to gain Medicare reimbursement approval and is available at prosthetics practices nationwide.

Bionics Technologies Advance Care, Capabilities

In addition to PROPRIO FOOT, Össur will feature all of the newest prostheses from its Bionic Technology line at the AAOP meeting, including the latest versions of its microprocessor-controlled RHEO KNEE® and its POWER KNEE, the world’s first and only motor-powered prosthetic knee.

Össur’s first Bionic innovation, the RHEO KNEE features the signature AI capabilities, wireless communications and integrated sensors, as well as a sophisticated magnetorheologic (MR) fluid actuator that continuously measures the flow of magnetized fluid through tiny rotary blades -- within the prosthetic’s sleek, lightweight aluminum shell.

The state-of-the-art microprocessor-controlled RHEO KNEE, which is now Medicare-reimbursed and covered by most private insurance plans, enables a user to walk naturally, comfortably and confidently at any speed, and with reduced physical effort. It responds precisely and automatically to knee pressure changes, and provides instantaneous stance support, to reduce the chances of buckling or falling.

Össur’s third offering in its Bionic portfolio, POWER KNEE is a motorized “smart” prosthetic limb that was designed to replace lost muscle function and perform as an integrated extension of its user. The company recently certified the first POWER KNEE providers in the U.S., and early users report they have been able to conserve energy, more confidently negotiate obstacles and inclines, and cover greater distances than they previously could, while wearing POWER KNEE.

“For 40 years, Össur has been dedicated to developing innovations that can enhance mobility, and the prostheses in our Bionic Technology line are helping redefine what’s possible in lower-limb prosthetics today,” Mansukhani said. “It’s our hope that ultimately, these breakthroughs will enable even more amputees to enjoy lives without limitations.”

About Össur

Össur (NASDAQ/OMX: OSSR) is a global leader in non-invasive orthopaedics that help people live a life without limitations. Its business is focused on improving people’s mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies within the fields of braces, supports, prosthetic limbs and compression therapy. A recognized “Technology Pioneer,” Össur invests significantly in research and product development; its award-winning designs ensuring a consistently strong position in the market. Successful patient and clinical outcomes are further empowered via Össur’s educational programs and business solutions. Headquartered in Iceland, Össur has major operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with additional distributors worldwide. Össur Americas’ headquarters are based in Orange County, CA.

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Technorati: Non-invasive orthopedics orthopaedics healthcare bionics prosthetics PROPRIO FOOT RHEO KNEE