Linx is the world’s only fully integrated limb and winner of multiple awards for design and innovation.
Working as one Limb, Linx delivers an experience that mimics the incredible and complex structure of the human leg by actively sensing and analyzing data on the user movement, activity, environment and terrain providing a coordinated stream of instructions to the hydraulic support system.
The result is a walking experience that is closer to nature than ever before.
– Controlled Stance Support
– Standing Support
– Dynamic Slope and Stair Descent
– Stumble Recovery
– Supported Sitting
– Optimal Stance Release
– Adaptive Speed Control
– Terminal Swing Damping
A single central control unit ensures you are connected and in control. Working alongside sensors and data collection points, this central unit allows the knee and ankle to function as one complete limb as nature intended.
Motion and load sensors continuously capture data on the activity, environment and terrain, the system recombines this data to anticipate actions and adapt the control response to move with the body seamlessly.
The sensor’s input provides a continuous stream of data into the master control which co-ordinates the responses of the limb. This subtle response gives you the right amount of motion and stance control so you can move with confidence.
Integrated sensors continually analyse data, adjusting the hydraulic technology to seamlessly align the leg for the next step. This integrated and coordinated limb response ensures fast adjustment times and easy navigation of slopes and steps, allowing the user to think about where they are going, rather than how they are going to get there.
Linx delivers controlled ramp descent with different response levels for steep and shallow slopes. The knee and foot work together to optimise the rate of plantar-flexion and dorsi-flexion. The knee resistance is simultaneously adapted by introducing an intermediate resistance. On intermediate ramps, Linx offers a braking effect that secures the whole body for safe descent.
The knee and foot work in unison to dorsi-flex quickly. The toe remains dorsi-flexed for safe and efficient swing-through, while the heel stiffens to support the knee flexion. If stationary on a ramp, the toe will remain in dorsi-flexion to help reduce the extension moment on the knee, allowing a more upright posture for a more comfortable standing position.
Additional synergies gained from simultaneous knee and foot programming, combined with the optimised control unit and hydraulic system means smoother transitions between speeds, and effortless progression over varied terrain.
Amputees can face health issues long after amputation, with lower limb amputees being 2-3 times more likely to develop osteoarthritis compared to the general population.1
Long term musculoskeletal health depends on the replication of the dynamic and adaptive qualities of natural limb movement, and Linx is the world’s first lower limb prosthesis to incorporate a completely integrated response system to serve this user need.
The varying levels of stance support that Linx provides helps to increase the user’s confidence and independence, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls to help ensure more balanced limb loading for greater long term health and protection. Linx provides optimal stance support, whether walking in a crowded environment, on uneven terrain, slopes, steps or when standing. This unique combination of the integrated stance support and hydraulic technology within Linx contribute to the user’s safety.
Supportive resistance throughout stance phase provides optimal stability for walking with greater safety and less effort on a variety of surfaces.
Maximum resistance stabilises knee and foot on both flat and sloped terrain, encouraging better posture and balanced loading to relieve pressure on the sound limb and lower back.
Stance resistance engages during swing phase extension to ensure knee stability, should the user stumble. Under such circumstances the flexion resistance dynamically increases to provide enhanced stumble recovery.
With immediate support from the first step, knee resistance progressively increases with knee flexion for enhanced control and safety when descending stairs.
The integrated knee and foot response allows the user to walk leg-over-leg on intermediate slopes.
Programming Linx just got faster and simpler with the new Linx Programming App for clinicians available on iOS and Android. With its simple to follow automated smart programming, you can complete limb set up with fewer steps whilst still having access to more advanced fine tuning if required.
For support questions please contact Blatchford Technical Support at technical.support@blatchford.co.uk * Compatible with all models of iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch running iOS v9 or later.
If using an iPad please choose “iPhone Only” when searching.
Improvements in Clinical Outcomes using Linx compared to mechanical knees
Improvements in Clinical Outcomes using Linx compared to ESR feet
Improvements in Clinical Outcomes using Linx compared to non-microprocessor-control hydraulic ankle-feet
1. | Kaufman KR, Bernhardt KA, Symms K. Functional assessment and satisfaction of transfemoral amputees with low mobility (FASTK2): A clinical trial of microprocessor-controlled vs. non-microprocessor-controlled knees. Clin Biomech 2018; 58: 116–122. | |
2. | Campbell JH, Stevens PM, Wurdeman SR. OASIS 1: Retrospective analysis of four different microprocessor knee types. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. 2020 Nov;7:2055668320968476. | |
3. | McGrath M, Laszczak P, Zahedi S, et al. Microprocessor knees with ‘standing support’ and articulating, hydraulic ankles improve balance control and inter-limb loading during quiet standing. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2018; 5: 2055668318795396. | |
4. | Heller BW, Datta D, Howitt J. A pilot study comparing the cognitive demand of walking for transfemoral amputees using the Intelligent Prosthesis with that using conventionally damped knees. Clin Rehabil 2000; 14: 518–522. | |
5. | Chin T, Maeda Y, Sawamura S, et al. Successful prosthetic fitting of elderly trans-femoral amputees with Intelligent Prosthesis (IP): a clinical pilot study. Prosthet Orthot Int 2007; 31: 271–276. | |
6. | Datta D, Howitt J. Conventional versus microchip controlled pneumatic swing phase control for trans-femoral amputees: user’s verdict. Prosthet Orthot Int 1998; 22: 129–135. | |
7. | Wurdeman SR, Stevens PM, Campbell JH. Mobility analysis of amputees (MAAT 3): Matching individuals based on comorbid health reveals improved function for above-knee prosthesis users with microprocessor knee technology. Assist Technol 2018; 1–7. | |
8. | Saglam Y, Gulenc B, Birisik F, et al. The quality of life analysis of knee prosthesis with complete microprocessor control in trans-femoral amputees. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2017; 51: 466e469. | |
9. | Chin T, Sawamura S, Shiba R, et al. Energy expenditure during walking in amputees after disarticulation of the hip: a microprocessor-controlled swing-phase control knee versus a mechanical-controlled stance-phase control knee. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2005; 87: 117–119. | |
10. | Datta D, Heller B, Howitt J. A comparative evaluation of oxygen consumption and gait pattern in amputees using Intelligent Prostheses and conventionally damped knee swing-phase control. Clin Rehabil 2005; 19: 398–403. | |
11. | Buckley JG, Spence WD, Solomonidis SE. Energy cost of walking: comparison of “intelligent prosthesis” with conventional mechanism. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1997; 78: 330–333. | |
12. | Taylor MB, Clark E, Offord EA, et al. A comparison of energy expenditure by a high level trans-femoral amputee using the Intelligent Prosthesis and conventionally damped prosthetic limbs. Prosthet Orthot Int 1996; 20: 116–121. | |
13. | Kirker S, Keymer S, Talbot J, et al. An assessment of the intelligent knee prosthesis. Clin Rehabil 1996; 10: 267–273. | |
14. | Chin T, Machida K, Sawamura S, et al. Comparison of different microprocessor controlled knee joints on the energy consumption during walking in trans-femoral amputees: intelligent knee prosthesis (IP) versus C-leg. Prosthet Orthot Int 2006; 30: 73–80. | |
15. | Chin T, Sawamura S, Shiba R, et al. Effect of an Intelligent Prosthesis (IP) on the walking ability of young transfemoral amputees: comparison of IP users with able-bodied people. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2003; 82: 447–451. | |
16. | Abdulhasan ZM, Scally AJ, Buckley JG. Gait termination on a declined surface in trans-femoral amputees: Impact of using microprocessor-controlled limb system. Clin Biomech Bristol Avon 2018; 57: 35–41. | |
17. | Chen C, Hanson M, Chaturvedi R, et al. Economic benefits of microprocessor controlled prosthetic knees: a modeling study. J Neuroengineering Rehabil 2018; 15: 62. | |
18. | Riveras M, Ravera E, Ewins D, Shaheen AF, Catalfamo-Formento P. Minimum toe clearance and tripping probability in people with unilateral transtibial amputation walking on ramps with different prosthetic designs. Gait & Posture. 2020 Sep 1;81:41-8. | |
19. | Johnson L, De Asha AR, Munjal R, et al. Toe clearance when walking in people with unilateral transtibial amputation: effects of passive hydraulic ankle. J Rehabil Res Dev 2014; 51: 429. | |
20. | Bai X, Ewins D, Crocombe AD, et al. A biomechanical assessment of hydraulic ankle-foot devices with and without micro-processor control during slope ambulation in trans-femoral amputees. PLOS ONE 2018; 13: e0205093. | |
21. | Askew GN, McFarlane LA, Minetti AE, et al. Energy cost of ambulation in trans-tibial amputees using a dynamic-response foot with hydraulic versus rigid ‘ankle’: insights from body centre of mass dynamics. J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 2019; 16: 39. | |
22. | De Asha AR, Barnett CT, Struchkov V, et al. Which Prosthetic Foot to Prescribe?: Biomechanical Differences Found during a Single-Session Comparison of Different Foot Types Hold True 1 Year Later. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2017; 29: 39–43. | |
23. | De Asha AR, Munjal R, Kulkarni J, et al. Impact on the biomechanics of overground gait of using an ‘Echelon’ hydraulic ankle–foot device in unilateral trans-tibial and trans-femoral amputees. Clin Biomech 2014; 29: 728–734. | |
24. | De Asha AR, Munjal R, Kulkarni J, et al. Walking speed related joint kinetic alterations in trans-tibial amputees: impact of hydraulic ’ankle’ damping. J Neuroengineering Rehabil 2013; 10: 1. | |
25. | De Asha AR, Johnson L, Munjal R, et al. Attenuation of centre-of-pressure trajectory fluctuations under the prosthetic foot when using an articulating hydraulic ankle attachment compared to fixed attachment. Clin Biomech 2013; 28: 218–224. | |
26. | Bai X, Ewins D, Crocombe AD, et al. Kinematic and biomimetic assessment of a hydraulic ankle/foot in level ground and camber walking. PLOS ONE 2017; 12: e0180836. | |
27. | Alexander N, Strutzenberger G, Kroell J, et al. Joint Moments During Downhill and Uphill Walking of a Person with Transfemoral Amputation with a Hydraulic Articulating and a Rigid Prosthetic Ankle—A Case Study. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2018; 30: 46–54. | |
28. | Struchkov V, Buckley JG. Biomechanics of ramp descent in unilateral trans-tibial amputees: Comparison of a microprocessor controlled foot with conventional ankle–foot mechanisms. Clin Biomech 2016; 32: 164–170. | |
29. | Portnoy S, Kristal A, Gefen A, et al. Outdoor dynamic subject-specific evaluation of internal stresses in the residual limb: hydraulic energy-stored prosthetic foot compared to conventional energy-stored prosthetic feet. Gait Posture 2012; 35: 121–125. | |
30. | McGrath M, Davies KC, Laszczak P, et al. The influence of hydraulic ankles and microprocessor-control on the biomechanics of trans-tibial amputees during quiet standing on a 5° slope. Can Prosthet Orthot J; 2. | |
31. | Moore R. Effect of a Prosthetic Foot with a Hydraulic Ankle Unit on the Contralateral Foot Peak Plantar Pressures in Individuals with Unilateral Amputation. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2018; 30: 165–70. | |
32. | Moore R. Effect on Stance Phase Timing Asymmetry in Individuals with Amputation Using Hydraulic Ankle Units. JPO J Prosthet Orthot 2016; 28: 44–48. | |
33. | Sedki I, Moore R. Patient evaluation of the Echelon foot using the Seattle Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire. Prosthet Orthot Int 2013; 37: 250–254. | |
34. | McGrath M, Laszczak P, Zahedi S, et al. The influence of a microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle on the kinetic symmetry of trans-tibial amputees during ramp walking: a case series. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2018; 5: 2055668318790650. |
See all the Clinical Evidence for every Blatchford product in our Clinical Evidence Finder Tool.
Max. User Weight:
125kg*
275lb*
Activity Level:
3
Size Range:
22-30cm
Component Weight:
2.6kg†
5lb 11oz†
Build Height:
470-565mm
18½" - 22¼"
Heel Height:
10mm
*For weights above 125kg up to 150kg contact a Blatchford representative.
†Component weight shown is for a size 26cm without foot shell.
Long Pylon Kit | 339965 |
Alignment Wedge | 940093 |
Programming Tablet | 019179 |
Cosmetic Cover | 561101BLACK |
Example
LINX | 25 | L | N | 3 | S |
Product Code | Size | Side | Width* | Spring set | Sandal Toe |
*Narrow (N) and Wide (W) available for sizes 25-27 only.
For dark tone add suffix D.
Example: foot size 25, left, narrow, spring rating 3, sandal toe.
Click here for Technical Information (Instructions for Use) »