Thousands of people living with partial lower-limb paralysis can now access one of the world’s most advanced microprocessor knee-ankle-foot orthosis (MPKAFO), following a successful pilot in which a combination of objective measures and user feedback demonstrated significant improvements in mobility and quality of life, compared to traditional KAFO devices.
Tectus, developed by Blatchford, a leading manufacturer of advanced prosthetic and orthotic devices, is a life-changing orthotic device for people with partial lower limb paralysis, which can occur due to various medical conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke and other neurological disorders. The pilot findings illustrate that, going forward, those fitted with the device will be able to walk more naturally, faster, more comfortably, and for longer, with increased confidence and safety.
With an estimated 50,000 people in the UK affected by paralysis - many of whom rely on lower limb orthoses such as KAFOs - Tectus has been designed to address the need for a more intelligent, lightweight and cost-effective orthosis that supports people seeking to regain their mobility.
Drawing on Blatchford’s proprietary Performance Response Technology and award-winning microprocessor technology, Tectus is able to mimic the natural function of the knee joint. Custom-fitted to a KAFO, Tectus features an advanced system of springs, hydraulics and sensors that enable wearers to achieve a more natural gait cycle than with any other microprocessor-controlled KAFO. Central to this biomimicry is the unique ‘spring assist’ feature, which uses an adjustable control to ensure full leg extension at the optimal moment, before the heel hits the ground, supporting a smoother walking experience and aiding ‘limb symmetry, so that the affected leg behaves very similarly to the unaffected limb.
Tectus is a slim, lightweight intelligent orthosis and, at just 660g, it is significantly lighter than other MPKAFOs. In the pilot, the resulting increase in comfort, and reduction in muscle fatigue and energy expenditure, led to a 20% improvement in the completion rate of a series of tasks, including the L Test of Functional Mobility and the 4-square test.
The device offers a number of features that improve usability, including five ‘wearer activity modes’. These modes allow users to switch seamlessly from walking to sitting, adjust their walking speed, and even transition to ascending or descending stairs, all at the touch of a button. With Tectus, this can also be done on the module itself, although a separate remote control is still an option. Battery status, step count, and alerts are easily visible at a glance, while Tectus also offers a long 18-hour battery life that recharges fully in just two hours and is rated IP54 water resistant.
The benefits of Tectus were demonstrated through pilot users, they underwent various gait analyses and walking tests at the company’s state-of-the-art clinic in Basingstoke, as well as a quality-of-life assessment, using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Participants reported a 42% improvement in mobility and a 40% improvement in health-related quality of life compared to their previous orthotic devices. The tests also showed that Tectus improved their ability to walk and step by 20%, with participants experiencing greater stamina, increased speed and reduced pain.
Dominic Atta, Principal Orthotist at Blatchford said: “The issue with traditional KAFOs is that, while they can increase safety and improve function, they can’t replicate normal walking. They also struggle to manage terrain beyond flat ground, and most stance control KAFOs still only operate in a locked or unlocked state.
“With Tectus, we’ve applied our world-leading prosthetic technology to create an intelligent orthosis that can adapt to a broad range of demands and activities. This allows our patients to engage more with daily life - for longer periods, at a faster pace, and with less pain.
“The key enabler of this is the hydraulic and spring-assisted knee joint which, unlike traditional KAFOs, can transition smoothly between fully locked and unlocked states and bend under control. This allows for a fluidity in walking that a locked KAFO simply cannot achieve.
“Our pilot study and the patients involved have demonstrated just how well Tectus replicates a natural gait and improves function, and we’re delighted to officially make this life-changing technology available to anyone wanting to regain their mobility and transform their quality of life.”
One wearer who took part in the pilot is 52-year-old Alfie Scott from Basingstoke. She recalls:
“When I first tried Tectus, it was nothing short of revolutionary. Suddenly, I regained my freedom - it was the best feeling in the world. On the very first day, I found myself crying in the clinic because I hadn’t experienced that kind of mobility in 25 years. I was walking like I used to, and it was incredible.
“With my new bionic leg, there's nothing I can’t do. I can tackle slopes, walk on grass, navigate cobblestones, and manage stairs with ease - activities that were impossible for me before. Before wearing it, I was merely existing, but now I’m truly living. The improvements to my physical health have also boosted my mental health tenfold.”
Tectus is effective in treating wearers with a range of conditions, including spinal injuries with lower limb paralysis, neurological conditions with resultant muscle weakness, and orthopaedic injuries with resultant nerve damage. It’s designed for adolescents and adults.
Health professionals can find out more about Tectus here: https://www.blatchfordmobility.com/en-gb/tectus/#form
