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Mobility made possible.
Orion3
Orion3 is now IP rated!
The recently updated Orion3 is now fully water-resistant to IP55, meaning wearers can confidently take on outdoor activities come rain or shine.
Equipped with enhanced features, Orion3 is designed with Blatchford’s patented Performance Response Technology™ (PRT™). This allows amputees to safely replicate natural limb movement across different terrains and speeds, for a superior walking experience.
- Mobility Level: 2, 3, 4*
- Build Height: 250mm/10in
- Max. User Weight: 125kg/275lb*
I no longer worry about puddles, a little rain, or the occasional river crossing. Life is much easier now, and I don't have to overthink things.
- Ben Cabott
A More Intelligent Microprocessor Knee.
Designed to deliver a superior walking experience across multiple terrains and speeds, Orion3 is a hybrid hydraulic/pneumatic microprocessor knee suitable for activity level 3 walkers. The device responds in a proportionate and natural way giving greater stability, enabling smooth, easy and comfortable walking and significantly reducing falls.
Technical Info & Features
Technical Info
- Activity/Mobility Level: 2, 3, 4*
- Max. User Weight: 125kg/275lb*
- Build Height: 250mm/10 inches
- Component Weight: 1.5kg/3lbs 5oz
- Control Unit: MPK Hydraulic/Pneumatic
- Max. Knee Flexion: 130°
- IP Rating: IP-55
- Warranty: 36 months**
*Maximum user weight for activity Level 4 is 100kg
**Warranty can be extended by 12, 24 or 36 months. Contact Customer Service for more information.
Key Features
- Cycling Mode and Fixed Angle Flexion Lock Mode
- 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
A 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.
The Orion3 knee delivers...
Performance Response Technology™
Orion3 is designed with Blatchford’s patented Performance Response Technology ™. PRT combines hydraulics, pneumatics, microprocessor and sensors to control the stance and swing phases of the gait cycle. This innovation delivers new levels of biomimicry - allowing amputees to replicate natural limb movement more closely than ever before.
Water Resistance
Orion3 is a water resistant microprocessor knee. After being stringently tested and exposed to jets of water from multiple directions, Orion3 was revealed to provide IP55-level protection against the entry of fresh water. Meaning from light showers to heavy downpours, Orion3 is fully prepared for mother nature.
Mobility Outcomes
Orion3 is clinically proven to reduce falls and deliver a superior walking experience. The microprocessor control puts enhanced safety into every step. From descending stairs and tackling rough terrains to walking at varying speeds, Orion3 is constantly looking after wearers.
Life Outcomes
With the freedom to move, comes the freedom to live. Orion3 empowers amputees to take on everyday life - in all its forms. The knee constantly monitors and adapts to keep wearers safe in a wide variety of situations.
Orion3 Resources
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Brochures & Datasheets
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Orion3_Datasheet_EN
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User Guides & Manuals
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Orion3 - Cosmetic Cover Instructions for Use
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Featured Case Study
Meet Ian:
Ian Logue has had quite the journey. A motorcycle accident 42 years ago left him as an amputee, changing his life as he knew it. However, Ian's story is about resilience and determination, not despair. His newfound freedom and independence came from the advent of microprocessor-controlled knees of which the Orion3 is the most advanced, a remarkable technology that has transformed his life.
Orion3 Programming App
The Orion3 Programming App for clinicians is 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:
- Download the app from the App Store, search for “Orion3”.
If using an iPad please choose “iPhone Only” when searching. - On first use, send the 8 digit “Authorisation Request Code” to your Blatchford representative.
- Enter the 12 digit code provided by your Blatchford representative into the app.
- 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 & Linx Updated App (Android App Only)
An updated Orion3 & Linx App is now available on the Play Store. If you have previously downloaded the app outside of the Google Play Store, you will need to uninstall and then reinstall the app from the Play Store. You will also need to re-authorise yourself as a user. The app will take you to the relevant page, but please contact your Regional Sales Representative for the authorisation code.
NHS funding for Orion3
The NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy for microprocessor-controlled knees means that MPK’s can be prescribed to patients at specialist rehabilitation centres. The policy aims to enhance quality of life by improving patient choice of prosthetic componentry based upon individual needs. Blatchford has a range of Orion3 packages available for NHS clinics in England that enable patients to be prescribed with an Orion3 MPK plus a range of Blatchford prosthetic feet for a single price, to ensure the best clinical solution for patients with above knee amputation.
Orion3 Clinical Evidence Reference
Documented Improvements in clinical outcomes using microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees:
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Safety
- 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
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Mobility
- 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
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Energy Expenditure
- 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
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Symmetry
- Better step length symmetry5
- Reduced loading asymmetry with standing support active when standing on sloped ground3
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User Satisfaction
- 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
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Health Economics
- 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
References
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Full Reference Listing
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kirker S, Keymer S, Talbot J, et al.
An assessment of the intelligent knee prosthesis. Clin Rehabil 1996; 10: 267–273.
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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.
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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.
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Chen C, Hanson M, Chaturvedi R, et al.
Economic benefits of microprocessor controlled prosthetic knees: a modeling study. J Neuroengineering Rehabil 2018; 15: 62.
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Compatible Products
The Orion3 microprocessor knee offers tested & approved compatibility with a range of Blatchford prosthetic feet.
