What Happens When Your Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee Stops Working Away from Home?

Imagine you’re halfway through a shopping trip or on your way home when your microprocessor knee starts behaving differently. You might start to hear beeps, feel a bit of resistance, or notice your gait has changed. If that happens away from home, knowing what to do can help you respond appropriately and avoid undue risk.

A microprocessor knee (MPK knee) uses electronic sensors and a battery to modulate its movement. They’re designed to support a range of walking activities but can still have battery issues or technical faults. The key is to watch for warning signs and know when to stop and get help.

Why Can a Microprocessor Knee Stop Working?

An MPK knee can go all to pot for a number of reasons. The two most likely are a low battery and a fault.

Low Battery or Complete Battery Drain

Microprocessor knees are battery-powered and rely on rechargeable batteries to run their electronic systems. You will get warning signals if you forget to charge the device or if the battery runs down during the day, before its functions are impaired at all.

For example, the Kenevo knee prosthesis from Ottobock will beep and vibrate as the battery level drops. The instructions also describe what happens when the battery reaches a critically low level. The responses are device-specific, so users need to be aware of the guidance for their own model.

Sensor Errors and Technical Faults

Not every problem is down to the battery. A sensor can stop sending the right signals, or another internal component can fail. That can affect how the knee responds to movement.

If the device is acting up in some way even though it’s got a good charge, don’t just assume that a charge will sort it out. A prosthetist or an authorized service person needs to look at it.

What Happens When Your MPK Knee Loses Power?

A fairly common concern among MPK users is whether the knee will suddenly go loose or give up when the battery dies. That depends on the model and its safety features.

How Safety Modes Help Limit Unexpected Movement

Some microprocessor knees have programmed responses to specific faults. The Kenevo, for instance, has an empty battery mode and a distinct safety mode for certain technical faults.

In these modes, the device alters its resistance settings. The instructions state that limited walking may be possible in safety mode, which of course does not mean the knee is working normally. Empty battery mode also alters the resistance, and then the device switches off.

Why Every MPK Knee Responds Differently

Not all microprocessor knees are created equal in terms of safety features or how they respond to faults. You can never assume that your knee will behave in the same way as another person’s.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and ask your prosthetist to explain what the various warning signals mean. Knowing the difference between a low-battery warning and a technical fault is useful, as it will help you decide how to react. Our use and care guides are a good place to start.

What Should You Do If Your Prosthetic Knee Stops Working Away from Home?

If your knee is acting up, get to a safe spot before you try to figure out what’s going on.

Stop Walking and Find a Safe Place

Stop as soon as you can (safely, of course) and use a handrail, a wall or a stable seat if one is available. Don’t go near stairs, steep slopes, uneven ground, or any sort of crowd until you understand what’s going on.

Don’t just go walking through the problem because the knee has entered safety mode. If you feel unstable at all, ask someone else for help.

Check the Warning Signals

Look for beeps, vibrations, display messages, or changes in resistance. These could indicate a battery charge issue or some kind of fault.

Check the device’s user instructions rather than guessing what the warning means.

Contact Your Prosthetist

If the knee still behaves oddly, contact your prosthetist or the relevant technical support. Just explain what has happened, any warning signs, and when the problem started.

Don’t open the device, attempt internal repairs, or make any adjustments yourself. If you can’t travel safely, arrange appropriate assistance rather than risk a fall.

How Can You Prepare for an Unexpected MPK Failure?

You can’t predict every technical problem, but a few simple habits can make an unforeseen issue much easier to handle.

• Build a charging routine: follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions. Ottobock recommends daily charging for users who wear the Kenevo regularly.
• Check the battery prior to longer trips: make charging part of your pre-departure preparation.
• Save your key contact details: make sure your prosthetist’s number and any relevant technical support numbers are all saved on your phone.
• Understand the safety features of your device. Ask your prosthetist what the warning signs are and what you’re meant to do if it does go into a restricted mode.

A bit of preparation will go a long way to helping you make the right decision when something doesn’t feel right.

Would a Mechanical Knee Be a More Practical Alternative?

When it comes to the reliability of an electronic prosthetic knee, you’re right to ask whether a mechanical knee would be easier to trust.

A mechanical knee doesn’t rely on rechargeable batteries or electronic sensors to operate. That doesn’t make it the better choice for everyone, though. The level of support and control a mechanical knee offers, compared with a microprocessor knee, will vary with the knee’s design and the individual’s level of mobility.

Switching from an MPK knee to a mechanical system isn’t an emergency. It requires a proper assessment, proper fitting, and proper training with a prosthetist.

Get the Right Support for Your Prosthetic Knee

A microprocessor knee problem doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the unit. First, identify what caused the problem and have a properly qualified person check it.

ACCESS Prosthetics can help you explore your prosthetic options and support you through the process of assessment, fitting, adjustments, and follow-up. If you have questions about your current knee system or are considering a different one, contact ACCESS Prosthetics to discuss your requirements with their team.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you still walk if your microprocessor knee battery dies?
It varies from model to model. Some knees have restricted modes of operation and you can’t just assume that walking is safe. Always follow the device instructions and if in any doubt, get advice.

2. How frequently should you charge an MPK knee?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For the Kenevo Ottobock recommend a single daily charge if you’re using it every day.

3. Is a mechanical knee more reliable than an MPK knee?
Not in the least. A mechanical knee doesn’t rely on a rechargeable battery at all. Its reliability and indeed its suitability are a function of the design, the maintenance and the user’s requirements.

4. What are you to do if your prosthesis knee starts beeping as you’re walking?
Stop somewhere safe, check the warning signals in your user instructions, and contact your prosthetist if the knee behaves unusually.

5. Can you repair a microprocessor knee yourself?
No. Do not open or adjust its internal components. Contact your prosthetist or an authorized service provider for inspection and repair.