Press & Announcements

Famous 19^th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”  On Tuesday, March 13^th at 1:30pm, Westcoast Brace & Limb will offer a Veteran amputee the opportunity to focus on his thoughts versus his steps with the fitting of a bionic foot, the latest innovation in prosthetic technology. 

The Ossur PROPRIO FOOT™, created by scientists to act as an electronic brain, is able to sense, feel and act on behalf of the wearer to create a natural walk and stride.  In just 15 steps the technology is able to track the characteristics and events encountered by the amputee to create a profile or a common gait pattern.  The data is then constantly monitored and fed into the microprocessor where the artificial intelligence called Terrain Logic™ will detect the changing surroundings, i.e. a flat versus a slopped surface.  As the artificial foot receives this constant stream of signals the microprocessor analyzes, determines, and executes the correct response or function that would normally be performed by muscles. 

Current prostheses are static whereas the PROPRIO FOOT™ is dynamic and interactive.  When walking with a traditional prosthesis, the toe does not lift with each step but the bionic foot has the technology to lift and lower the foot at the exact moment needed in the swing phase of the gait.  Also, feet can be naturally tucked behind the knee when seated, a characteristic not available in other products. 

“We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a cutting edge product to our patients,” stated Greg Bauer, President and C.P.O of Westcoast Brace & Limb.  “Not only will patients see immediate results through the technology but the long term health benefits that come from the reduced stress on the back, hips and knees will be significant as well,” added Bauer. 

The cost of the foot and ankle ranges from $12,000 - $18,000.  Click here to view the New York Times online for a web demo of the PROPRIO™ FOOT.