What is one of the main benefits of prosthetic knees?

One of the main benefits of prosthetic knees is that they can shorten relatively in the swing phase. This feature allows the prosthetic knee to mimic the natural gait more closely by adjusting the length of the limb during walking. As the leg moves forward during the swing phase, a prosthetic knee that shortens can help clear the foot off the ground, reducing the risk of stumbling and improving overall stability and comfort for the user.

This characteristic is particularly important for enhancing mobility and ensuring that the user can walk smoothly and efficiently. It supports a more natural movement pattern and increases the adaptability of the prosthesis to various terrains and walking speeds. By facilitating a smoother transition between the phases of gait and reducing torque on the residual limb, this design aspect contributes significantly to the overall functionality and user experience of prosthetic devices.