Prosthetic Knees Transforming Young Lives

Only a handful of NHS clinics currently prescribe microprocessor knees (MPKs) to children.

Despite an NHS policy to fund MPKs to people of any age, many young people are left without access to life-changing technology that could transform their independence, safety and wellbeing.

MPKs are advanced prosthetic knees that use sensors and microprocessors to provide a more natural walking pattern, greater stability, and improved safety. For children, this means being able to join in everyday activities with friends and family — from walking to school and taking part in sports to playing in the park without fear of falling.

For the children who do receive them, MPKs are already delivering extraordinary improvements in mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

To help educate clinicians, parents and children about the benefits of MPK, Ottobock UK have created a marketing campaign featuring the stories of six children, ranging from the ages of eight to 16, who all received microprocessor knees via the NHS.

Youngsters like William, who was just three when he lost his legs to sepsis. Since getting his Ottobock Kenevo MPKs fitted on the NHS at the age of eight, his confidence and mobility have grown.

As one of the youngest bilateral MPK users, he’s feeling the benefits, fewer falls, more natural movement, and an easier, more confident everyday life. He won the Young Fundraiser of the Year 2024 for his efforts in raising money for Nottingham Hospital and Sepsis Research and has set his sights on a new fundraising challenge for 2025.

“William’s Kenevos have not only made his day-to-day life easier, allowing him to walk naturally and sit and stand with ease, they’ve also given him the freedom that a nine-year-old boy should have,” said Gemma, William’s mum.

“It’s incredible to watch his confidence to go off and explore with his sister rather than hanging back waiting for a hand to hold. We are so grateful for the independence they have given him and can’t wait to see what they help him to achieve.”

Ottobock has been developing innovative fitting solutions for people with reduced mobility for more than 100 years. Its campaign highlights the need to ensure that all NHS children who are eligible for MPKs can access them, no matter where they live.

With the technology available and funding already agreed at national level, the challenge is ensuring that NHS clinics across the country deliver on this commitment.

To find out more visit https://www.ottobock.com/en-gb/prosthetics/mpks-for-kids