Which knee type may be less functional in cold weather?

Hydraulic knees utilize fluid mechanics to provide variable resistance during ambulation, allowing for a more natural gait pattern. However, they can be less functional in cold weather due to the potential for the hydraulic fluid to thicken or become less responsive in lower temperatures. This can affect the knee's ability to properly adapt to the user's movement, leading to reduced performance, especially when quick adjustments are needed during activities such as walking or climbing.

This sensitivity to temperature changes does not affect mechanical knees or single axis knees in the same way. Mechanical knees rely on springs and weights, which function consistently regardless of temperature. Polycentric knees provide a more dynamic mechanism that allows for varied gait patterns, but they are generally less affected by cold temperatures than hydraulic systems.

Therefore, the functionality of hydraulic knees in cold weather can be significantly compromised compared to other knee types.