Blatchford PDAC Approved Products » | 2021 Medical Device Regulation (MDR) Technical Documentation »

Brochure Specifications

EXPLOREOrion<sup>3</sup>

Orion3

Suitable for outdoor use
PDAC Approved
Activity Level 3

The new and improved Orion3 is now available with enhanced features; bringing together everything users love about this intelligent microprocessor knee with even more advanced technology, for a superior walking experience.  Orion3 is designed to prioritise the safety and stability for activity level 3 walkers, offering a very natural experience across different terrains and speeds. The Orion3 upgrade introduces improvements that promise to give the user even more control of their health and mobility.

Key Features

  • Situational Awareness – an Inertial Measurement Unit senses movement and speed to respond accordingly, in real time
  • Enhanced Stability Performance – 5 levels of stance resistance optimises safety at all times

– Controlled Stance Support
– Standing Support
– Dynamic Slope and Stair Descent
– Stumble Recovery
– Supported Sitting

  • Natural Efficient Motion – MPC pneumatics ensure energy efficient and smooth swing at multiple speeds

– Optimal Stance Release
– Adaptive Speed Control
– Terminal Swing Damping

  • Cycling Mode and Fixed Angle Flexion Lock Mode
  • Knee Flexion to 130°
  • Lithium Ion batteries with up to 3 days life, dependent on usage
  • Battery Life Indicator and Low Power Mode
  • Improved! Stair Descent Recognition 
  • Improved! Stance Flexion
  • New! Heel Rise Damping
  • New! Training Mode
  • New! Recessed, covered and magnetic charging point
  • New! Programming App for Android and iOS
  • New! Button Programming Functionality 

Download the Orion3 Datasheet to read more about the new and enhanced features.

Enhanced Stability Performance

Enhanced Stability Performance (ESP) increases the user’s confidence and independence, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls and ensuring more balanced limb loading for greater long term health and protection.

ESP adapts hydraulic resistance in real time, providing optimal stance support whether walking in a crowded environment, on uneven terrain, slopes, steps and now also when standing. With situational awareness, Orion3 continuously monitors the user’s activity and responds accordingly for greater safety.

Orion3 Controlled Stance Support

Controlled Stance Support

Supportive resistance throughout stance phase provides optimal stability for walking with greater safety and less effort on all-terrain.

Orion3 Standing Support

Standing Support

Maximum resistance stabilises knee, on both flat and slopes, encouraging better posture and balanced loading to relieve pressure on sound limb and lower back.

Orion3 Stumble Recovery

Stumble Recovery

Stance resistance engages during swing phase extension to ensure knee stability should the user stumble.

Orion3 Stair Descent

Dynamic Slope & Stair Descent

The Orion now recognizes stair decent! A new algorithm has enabled the stairs pneumatic value to be selected even earlier, helping the limb to extend fully from the first step and making stairs descent easier and more predictable

Orion3 Supported Sitting

Supported Sitting

Progressive hydraulic resistance ensures greater support and control to sit down with safety and confidence and more balanced loading across both limbs.

Natural Efficient Motion

An optional feature designed to provide a higher resistance to stance flexion when sudden deceleration occurs and causes the knee to be unstable. This provides the user with increased support resulting in more control and stability.

Orion3 Optimal Stance Release

Optimal Stance Release

Orion3 releases high resistance just before the knee bends for optimal safety, easy knee flexion and reduced walking effort.

Orion3 Adaptive Speed Control

Adaptive Speed Control

By sensing changes in walking speed, Orion3 dynamically adapts pneumatic control in real time for a smooth, natural and energy efficient swing.*

Orion3 Terminal Swing Damping

Terminal Swing Damping

Swing phase extension is damped in late swing to soften knee movement and prevent terminal swing impact.

*Studies have shown the reduced physiological cost of walking, with reduction in energy expenditure by up to 20% – please refer to our clinical compendium for further details.

Real Life Stories

Chris & Denise’s Story

Becky’s Story

Smart Programming App

DownloadAppStoreDownloadGooglePlay

Programming Orion3 just got faster and simpler with the new Orion3 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. 

This app is for clinicians who have completed a Blatchford approved training course and requires an authorisation code:

  1. Download the app from the App Store, search for “Orion3”.
    If using an iPad please choose “iPhone Only” when searching.
  2. On first use, send the 8 digit “Authorisation Request Code” to your Blatchford representative.
  3. Enter the 12 digit code provided by your Blatchford representative into the app.
  4. Start programming Orion3!

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.

Orion3 Clinical Evidence Reference

Improvements in Clinical Outcomes using microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees

  • Significantly reduced number of falls1,2
  • Reduced centre-of-pressure fluctuations by 9-11% with standing support active when standing on sloped ground3
  • Less cognitive demand during walking, leading to reduced postural sway4
  • Increased walking speed5
  • Easier to walk at different speeds6
  • Higher scores in mobility-related patient-reported outcome measures7
  • More natural gait6,8
  • Easier to walk on slopes6
  • Reduced energy expenditure compared to mechanical knees9-13
  • Equivalent energy expenditure to other MPKs14
  • Reduced self-perceived effort6,8
  • Energy expenditure closer to that of able-bodied control subjects15
  • Able to walk further before becoming tired6
  • Better step length symmetry5
  • Reduced loading asymmetry with standing support active when standing on sloped ground3
  • Reduced fear of falling1
  • Reduced limitations due to an emotional problem8
  • Preference over other prosthetic knees1,14
  • Reductions in direct and indirect healthcare costs when using an MPK16

References

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;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. Chen C, Hanson M, Chaturvedi R, et al. Economic benefits of microprocessor controlled prosthetic knees: a modeling study. J Neuroengineering Rehabil 2018; 15: 62.

See all the Clinical Evidence for every Blatchford product in our Clinical Evidence Finder Tool.

Orion3 Technical Data

Max. User Weight:

125kg*
275lb*

Activity Level:

3

Component Weight:

1.5kg†
3lb

Build Height:

250mm
9½"

Control Unit:

MPK Hydraulic/Pneumatic

*Dependent on local reimbursement guidelines/maximum user weight 100kg

Accessories

Part Number Orion3
Magnetic Charger Kit 239093V2A
Magnetic Charger Cover 236554
Cosmetic Cover 561101BLACK
   

Proximal Attachments (ordered separately)

Rotating Pyramid with Shift 239017
Non-rotating Pyramid with Shift 239089
Rotating Female Pyramid with Shift 189128
M36 Threaded Adapter 239092

Socket Adapters 

P409049, P189410, P189410S

 

Ordering

Part Number: ORION3

Orion3 Documentation

Product Information

Technical Guides

Other downloads

Regulatory Information