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January 12, 2021, 15:20

 

Message

 

Dear Surfer,

 

In 1994, by way of trial and error, we started looking for a solution to the matter of constructing above-knee sockets at Botta et fils. No CAD/CAM system designed for orthopaedic use was either suitable for the fabrication process or appropriate to the firm’s culture. Moreover, the technical problems encountered by the various representatives in many cases remained unsolved.
It was for this reason that in 1995 Botta purchased a numerically controlled milling machine and a 3D digitizer initially intended for mechanical use. The system made it possible to copy the existing sockets with the utmost precision and to save the relevant data.


Little by little, a socket bank was built up. In the early stages, when we had a new patient to fit with a prosthesis, we would look in our data bank for a socket having more or less the desired measurements. We would machine this socket and adjust it by hand. Very soon it proved necessary, in order to cope with the growing quantity of data, to develop retrieval mechanisms which would enable us to scan the entire bank and to mask sockets matching the target data. As a result, we had in our possess- ion a high-performance tool.
 

In 1998, we established S&S Sàrl to put into practical effect our “global concept”, to which we devoted a good deal of our nights.
In the course of 1999, a global data bank of sockets has been set on foot; every orthopaedic technician can interrogate it, thanks to the Socketfinder®software.
The development of the Socketfinder® concept is the fruit of daily work in the service of amputees.

Meanwhile, S&S has developed knees. After the KX05 which was used exclusively by Botta, the KX06 project was launched in 2004.
The completely new concept allows the use of SNS hydraulic units in polycentric knees. For its development, we acquired new software of engineering allowing complete modeling and the simulation of the constraints.
 

The first prototype was tested by patients of Botta & sons in May 2005 with much of success This new geometry has the effect of increasing the length of the lever on the unit compared to a monocentric system.
To walk downhill with a polycentric knee is not any more an Utopia with the KX06!
 

For our work related to knees, we got,in 2006, the Scientific Award of the APO which is the Swiss branch of the ISPO.
By 2008, the KX06 is part of the product line Endolite and is therefore marketed worldwide by distributors.

Yours sincerely,
Jean-Louis Steiner and Clément Schneider

 

Orion Knee

The Orion is a microprocessor controlled prosthetic knee in which the sensors measure knee action in real time and process that information to anticipate support and speed requirements. Hydraulic and pneumatic knee control actuators regulate the knee speed and security providing optimal walking on stairs, slopes and over flat terrain. This results in fewer falls for the person wearing the prosthesis and a very natural and relaxed gait.

Elan foot

 

The BlatchfordElan foot is a revolutionary new prosthetic foot/ankle system with microprocessor controlled speed and terrain response. Sensors continuously monitor environmental feedback and the algorithm changes the foot characteristic to offer the safest, most comfortable and energy efficient response on the flat, descending or ascending ramps and stairs. The hydraulic ankle control ensures silent operation and sinuous movement that biomimetically matches the Activity Level 3 user’s body and walking style.

Echelon foot

The Echelon foot is a unique prosthetic device, which provides self-alignment of the prosthesis on varied terrain and following footwear changes. It has an instant impact on postural symmetry, easing abnormal pressures at interface and other joints.

Wearing Echelon ensures stability and confidence on uneven surfaces and is ideal for high level amputees who need security when rising from sitting to standing and particularly on slope.

KX06 knee

Discover more deeply KX06 knee

KX06

Socketfinder®

Free and direct access

 

Socketfinder

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