Revolutionary in craft and function, Ottobock’s C-Brace gives individuals the chance to safely rediscover and participate in everyday activities.
Most people take their ability to perform daily tasks for granted. But for those who’ve lost some degree of mobility, even the smallest chore can seem impossible.
Partial or full paralysis can result from damage to the spinal cord, stroke, nerve disease, surgery, an accident, and more. It’s a life-altering prognosis that leaves patients unable to make voluntary movements in some or all parts of their body.
Orthotics are common external devices used to help people with all kinds of structural support, including those with paralysis. In the last few decades, the field has experienced exciting advancements — and leading the way is the highly respected orthopedic technology company, Ottobock. Driven by the need for innovation, the company has invested heavily in research and development. As a result, it has led to the creation and distribution of world-renowned, state-of-the-art products.
Setting new standards
For over 100 years, Ottobock has been offering transformative solutions for people with limited mobility. They strive to improve quality of life and promote independence through their offerings in prosthetics, orthotics, patient care, and neuro mobility.
“Our strength is that we work with the patient and practitioner, for the patient,” explains Josée Mathieu, Clinical Specialist, Orthotics at Ottobock. “We’re helping people maintain and gain mobility.”
As the sector’s world market leader, it’s no surprise their C-Brace KAFO (Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis) is the most exciting product yet. It’s the very first mechatronic stance and swing phase control orthosis system that functions hydraulically through a knee and leg microprocessor. Ottobock is known for their microprocessor products including C-Leg (the world’s first fully microprocessor controlled prosthetic knee).
Once users get set up and practice with an orthotist, the brace allows them to go up and down slopes and stairs, walk on uneven terrain, and resume their favourite activities. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and even comes with an app to customize individual settings.
Restoring control
Paralysis orthoses tend to be limited in functionality due to the release and lock of one’s knee joint. The C-Brace defies this by supporting users through every phase of the gait cycle. “It works with the body by replacing the resistance they’re missing,” Mathieu adds. “It gets to know the user’s stride and adapts to all their movements.”
The brace is also proven to relieve back, arm, and shoulder stress. Plus, it’s unparalleled in safety and stability thanks to its stumble recovery feature, which manages swing flexion resistance while the knee is moving.
When the removal of a tumour affected Melissa’s leg strength, her orthotist suggested the
C-Brace. “Before the brace, I couldn’t walk very far or put pressure on my leg without it giving in completely,” Melissa explains. “Now, I wear it everywhere I go and can do just about anything, including walking to pick up my kids.”
The future’s bright
Without a doubt, Ottobock’s C-Brace is empowering its users by helping them regain their mobility. “I’m beyond happy with the brace; it completely changed my life,” Melissa says. “When people ask me about it, I refer them to Ottobock because if the C-Brace is suitable for them, it’ll drastically improve their movement.”
