Ottobock Empower Prosthetic Ankle Review

[@bionicsforeveryone4107]

I really enjoy the depth and honesty of these reviews!

[@stevenculver7228]

Thanks for doing these thorough reviews!

[@SimplyAustins]

Hi mate, Got to say, the series of reviews you have done here are awesome. Very honest, in-depth and practically all the information you could need. Thank you. I had my leg off a couple of years ago, got a leg, but amputation failed so had to have another amputation... Didn't know it was possibly be to remove the same thing twice? Anyways. Covid hit, so was hard to get things, info, talk to peeps etc. I'm new to all thus so it's a new world. Hard to get more information without just advertisements etc from real people that aren't 5 years old. I'm ex army, so I like to be as active as possible. But at the moment I'm stuck on a leg that blows out my knee if I even stand on a pebble. So seeing something like this, really gives me hope there is something. Due to circumstances, I am entitled to funding fior prosthetics. Not sure how far, but this seems a dream one to at least try for. My ideal use for kegs is hiking as extreme possible and jogging just to keep fit. Hopefully my below knee amputation will allow me these things with the right equipment. But as I'm new to it, I'm not sure where to start looking.... How I found you. My questions are.... Given your experience so far testing various kegs and a bit more time on them than me. Is this still your best choice for the hiking scenario? Also, I guess this isn't really a running leg. But do you know if I should just got fir the blade kind of thing or is there something else that's "best case" for that? I know like many, you been thrown into this a fish out of water too, so likely still things you ain't seen, tested or know of. But.... Ain't we all. Be great if you could maybe share your side if things up to now. If ever I can help you with anything, happy to help with my limited knowledge too hehe. Thanks mate, Austin

[@electedamputeeuk8208]

HI Austin, thanks for getting in touch, it can be difficult to get through all the company branding to determine how a leg actually performs. This of course is just my opinion on the legs that I review and others may have a different experience, so the only way to know is to try them yourself. Hiking is a tricky one to gauge for feet, I still think the EmPower would be best when compared to the other microprocessor ankles. The other option is ESR (Energy Storage and Return) feet, similar to the Taleo that I have already reviewed. Depending on how 'Active' you want to be on the hikes I would recommend the Ottobock Challenger, it's a blade-style foot that has a heel and can fit in shoes. it's lightweight and springy so deals with the rough ground well and provides a spring to your step for those instances where you might need to pick up the pace. I am hoping to do a Challenger review soon, but am short of time. I have owned one for 3 years now and use it every day, long walks and hikes included. I hope this helps. The challenger is likely to be within funding for servicemen, I'm not sure about the EmPower, however. Are you a below or above-knee amputee?

[@SimplyAustins]

@@electedamputeeuk8208 thank you for the reply mate. That’s awesome knowledge! I’m currently healing after my last op, so no foot for a couple more weeks. Last time I had a pretty basic one. It was technically an ESR thingy, but it was useless. Gave me no push off or power, at most a slight cushion from impact of walking. But it was just a freebie, so can’t complain. But the more I used it, especially on uneven ground, the more it busted up my knee. I will definitely look into the challenger leg. I do need something for more extreme kind of things that I can smash about a bit more. Have you ever tried running legs? I hate running, but I need to keep fit as years on my ass has made me tubby hehehe. For the EmPower, I fed the info to my leg person. Seems I should be entitled to it on my scheme. It’s a bit rare for someone to have my entitlements so it’s hard for me to find info on things. But she said there is another guy who she did who had the same one through the same thing, so it looks pretty likely I may get one (I hope). According to her, as long as it has the CE stamp (mass produced and tested for normies) and I have a good use for it, it’s funded. That’s awesome news! I hear I can have a few types depending on what I can justify for uses. The only issue, like I said, I just don’t know what is available out there and what’s good and what’s just “marketing” speak. Being new to all this, I just don’t know what’s good and what’s a waste of money. Although I’m not paying, I would still be stuck with a dud leg, when there is others out there I can use.

[@electedamputeeuk8208]

@@SimplyAustins That's great news! cutting through the marketing jargon is my main goal. you can ask for foot trials before you commit to getting one, and I would recommend doing so as they may not be right for you. I have used the challenger for running and it performs well, I can't run regularly at the moment as running changes my stump shape, and then my sockets don't fit, but it's one of my long-term goals. I have heard good things about the Blatchford Blade XT for all-terrain running, but I haven't used one personally so I cant compare it to the challenger.

[@Mr.Quinlan888]

I'm from the States and have been using the Elan IC. It's quiet and similar to the Ottobock. I appreciate your POV on this ankle.

[@eulogiomaldonadojr6774]

Great video! I shoot real estate photography and shoot about 600 properties a year. This will help me tremendously with the stairs and terrain. And just like my camera, multiple batteries are a must. Cheers my friend.

[@josephkaisner4581]

Hello, I’ve been looking into the empower for a few months and I’d love to speak with you to hear more of your thoughts!

[@electedamputeeuk8208]

Hi Joseph, sure id be happy to, is there a best way for us to get in touch?

[@josephkaisner4581]

@@electedamputeeuk8208 Thanks for the quick response! Instagram would work good for me if you have it.

[@electedamputeeuk8208]

@@josephkaisner4581 I don't have an Instagram account, but please email [e-mail] and we can exchange contact details

[@Crosshatch1212]

Bro cld University me some info on the ankle with out the motor on it I have same foot as I was given 27 yr ago ,but have tendinosis on my good leg as I started using an e bike .I've had to stop using my bike and dnt ,not able to walk far but my prosthesis just basically says get on with it ,

[@Crosshatch1212]

Mate where did u get it ,thnks I have been amp for 27yr but now my tendon on my good leg is now getting lump on it tendinosis, thnks

[@electedamputeeuk8208]

If you ask your local prosthetics center they should be able to help you. in the UK they are not available on the NHS unfortunately.

[@badrbadr9413]

Can you tell me the price of this tarraf is artificial, please?

[@electedamputeeuk8208]

The price will be dependent on your limb center and region, but it is likely to be in the region of tens of thousands of pounds

[@nasserrachedi5238]

Thank you for the review! Please feel free to contact me because I have many questions and think we have a lot in common and would get along great.

[@nasserrachedi5238]

I do expect that top tier wow factor and want to run and sprint. I would love to be my former self pre accident and amputation. Right above the knee amputee

[@electedamputeeuk8208]

@@nasserrachedi5238 Hi Nasser, getting back to a pre-accident state is an admirable goal. The emPower is not able to run or sprint, so may not be the best foot for you. I'm told for above knees, having a microprocessor knee makes more of a difference than a foot does, so it might be worth looking into what knees you can get. For feet, a Challenger from Ottobock might suit you, that is what I use daily, and it is my favorite ESR foot so far.

[@oro7114]

Love the amputee representation in the comments, this is really cool. Amazing leg, shame it sounds like one of those Tekno robo dogs:( go raibh míle maith agat for the review tho!

[@YasirKhan-gg8wu]

Foot sakt joint ottobock chahiye 🏵️🏵️🏵️🌹🌹🌴