2002 NOV 11 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Freedom Innovations, Inc., (FI) recently debuted the Freedom Series of high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-buy artificial feet for lower limb amputees.
The Freedom Series includes three new prosthetic feet - the FS 1000, 2000, and 3000 models - in which amputees gain what the company says the industry has lacked: quality prosthetic feet for a wide range of activity levels at affordable prices, according to Richard M. Myers, Jr., Freedom Innovations.
'Amputees are often forced to use one prosthesis for normal, everyday ambulation and another for more strenuous or athletic activity,' Myers said. 'We created the Freedom Series so prosthetists can fit amputees with a comfortable artificial limb that is strong enough to withstand high levels of activity.'
Myers said the Freedom Series uses patented, and patent pending, technology that provide feet with the highest degree of performance while simulating natural foot motion for amputees with moderate to high activity needs. He explained that, until now, the biggest challenge facing prosthetic feet manufacturers was providing a device that not only was flexible and resilient for comfort, but also strong and durable to withstand higher levels of activity and various weights of the users.
The Freedom Series delivers artificial feet that are versatile, smooth, and strong enough to be appropriate for 95% of moderate- and high-activity level amputees, according to Myers.
The feet were invented by Dr. Roland Christensen. 'In a natural foot,' explained Christensen, who holds several patents for his prosthetic devices, 'the foot and toe flex and adapt to conform to the slope of the terrain. However, previous artificial feet with a unitary foot and toe platform were incapable of such independent response. Almost all of the past designs have focused only on ankle or foot movement for the purpose of walking or running. Few designs consider the workings of the toes or the less conspicuous movements of the foot and ankle.'
Myers said Freedom Innovations is able to provide the high-performance, high quality prosthetics at lower prices due to its low-cost manufacturing facility in Fayette, Utah and 'factory direct' approach. He said buying direct from the manufacturer affords price savings, which can be passed on to the prosthetist, instead of being lost with a 'middle man' provider.
Additionally, the factory-direct strategy offers custom ordering, same-day, and overnight shipping upon request, personalized service, free foot covers with the purchase of each foot, and the longest warranty (36 months) available in the industry on feet and composite components.
The Freedom Series contains two basic elements that help vary the foot's stiffness according to the user's needs. Each foot consists of carbon-fiber composite materials to deliver lightweight, yet strong and resilient performance. The interlocking design eliminates potential 'stress concentrations' caused by bolt connections. The full-length sole plate removes 'dead spots,' guaranteeing smooth transition throughout the gait cycle. This patent-pending design also features a 'soft toe' to also assist in a smoother rollover.
This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.
