Photo from E-MAG Active.
The E-MAG Active is a trend-setting innovation in the development of orthotic knee joint systems, which sets new standards in terms of safety, dynamics and mobility.
Controlled Stance Phase – Free Swing Phase
Thanks to unique functions, the E-MAG Active offers the user noticeable advantages:
E-MAG Active is the first electronically managed system knee joint with controlled stance and free swing phase that works independently from the ankle joint and foot sole.
The principle of the E-MAG Active is both innovative and consistent. An intelligent sensor system measures the position of the leg during walking and causes the orthotic joint to switch accordingly. As the joint works independently from the ankle joint and foot sole, the patient can use the function of the orthotic joint even if his ankle is without function.
The brace also offers patients a significant gain in mobility and safety, enabling them to walk much more naturally and smoothly, improving their overall quality of life.
It is suitable for patients with an increased need for mobility that have up to now not been able, or have declined to be, adequately fitted with an orthosis for different anatomical reasons. The E-MAG Active can help prevent contractures and joint damage caused by immobilisation and reduced muscular atrophy, whilst promoting the development of existing muscles. As a result, the contra-lateral side is relieved and compensating movements avoided.
Benefits of the the E-MAG Active at a glance
• E-MAG Active is a joint system for custom-made orthoses
• It works independently from the ankle joint
• There are no electronic components in the lower leg section of the KAFO
• The E-MAG Active has a self-adjusting software
• Other software adjustments are not required
• Different flexion angles from 5° to 10° in increments of 2.5° are possible and can be ordered separately
Indications
The E-MAG Active was developed for patients who, due to a partial paralysis or a complete failure of knee extensors, are unable to stabilise their knee without compensatory measures. For safe use of the knee joint system, a certain amount of residual muscle function or knee joint hyperextension is required to ensure safe switching of the swing and stance phases.
Although the knee joint system works with unilateral control, it must always be equipped with a medial support. The E-MAG Active is approved for patients with a body weight of up to 85kg/187lbs and ankle joint function is not required. Use of the brace is also possible in cases of leg length reductions or in combination with orthoprosthesis.
Contraindications – Why treatment can sometimes be withheld
• Insufficient residual muscle function that would ensure safe use of the E-MAG Active
• Non-existent knee joint hyperextension
• No possibility of influencing knee joint extension with a dorsal stop
• Knee joint flexion contracture of more than 15°
• Cognitive problems
• Severe spasms putting safe function at risk
Gait cycle with E-MAG Active
Gait cycle with stance control knee joint systems
In contrast to the gait cycle of a healthy person, the knee joint of patients with lacking function of the knee stabilising muscles must be stabilised by an orthosis. The stance control knee joint systems from Otto Bock provide stability when needed and do not compromise the swing phase as the orthotic joint is released between the terminal stance and pre-swing phases.
Between heel contact and toe-off, i.e. when the foot bears weight on the ground, the joints secure the knee joint and support the knee stabilizing muscles. During the entire stance phase, the orthoses remain locked.
Studies have shown that, in comparison with a locked orthosis, stance control orthoses offer considerable advantages with regard to energy expenditure, walking speed and reduction of the strain on the contra lateral side.