Are prosthetic legs provided by the NHS in the UK?

Yes, the NHS in the UK provides prosthetic legs. The National Health Service offers comprehensive prosthetic services to individuals in need, ensuring accessibility and support.

How advanced are prosthetic legs provided by the NHS?

Prosthetic legs provided by the NHS in the UK are technologically advanced, aiming to offer enhanced functionality and comfort. The NHS strives to provide cutting-edge prosthetic solutions to improve the quality of life for individuals.

Are prosthetic legs painful?

Prosthetic legs provided by the NHS are designed to minimize discomfort. While there may be an adjustment period, the NHS ensures that individuals receive adequate support and resources to address any pain or discomfort associated with prosthetic use.

Can prosthetic legs make you faster?

Prosthetic legs provided by the NHS can contribute to increased mobility and potentially improved speed. The NHS aims to provide prosthetic solutions that enhance overall movement and function for individuals in the UK.

Where can I get a prosthetic leg through the NHS?

You can obtain a prosthetic leg through the NHS by consulting with your healthcare provider. The NHS offers prosthetic services through specialized clinics and healthcare facilities across the UK. Your healthcare professional will guide you through the process.

Why are prosthetics important in the UK?

Prosthetics play a vital role in the UK, providing individuals with limb loss the opportunity for improved mobility and quality of life. The NHS recognizes the importance of prosthetic solutions and strives to offer accessible and advanced devices to those in need.

An Introduction to Our Prosthetic Devices

Introducing Biomimetic Lower Limb Prosthetics

We look to the complex biological make-up of the human ankle and foot for inspiration - replication of natural motion is at the heart of our design philosophy.

Biomimicry Technology

Our award-winning products offer a range of mobility solutions for amputees and are designed to help individuals achieve the best possible levels of function, comfort and long-term health. Alongside our advanced prosthetic ankle devices, we also design and manufacture superior knee prosthetic options too. The knee was the first prosthetic joint to be controlled by microprocessors and has been through many stages of development over the years.

What Types of Prosthetics Legs Does Blatchford Design and Manufacture?

There are different designs of lower limb devices we make that work with different parts of the leg that have been amputated.

If a person has had their leg removed below the knee (BKA), we design prosthetic legs that have been made specifically for that part of the body. The same goes for an above knee amputation (AKA); we design a prosthetic leg that will replace the amputated part.

Prosthesis for an above knee amputation (AKA) will include a socket for the stump (end of the lower limb) to fit in, the thigh, knee, shin, foot, ankle and foot.

Prosthesis for a below knee amputation (BKA) includes a socket for the stump (the end of the lower limb), the shin, ankle and foot.

From above knee prosthetics to biomimetic, bionic limb systems, Blatchford products are developed with the long-term health of patients.

Our lower limb prosthetics include:

Navigator - Prosthetic foot with resilient/cushioned ankle function

A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot that is lightweight and used for light activity. This type of foot can help improve stability, help shoes fit and offer cosmetic restoration.

Esprit - Prosthetic feet with dynamic foot springs

Store energy and provide dynamic movement and function. This type of foot encourages the patient to advance from a more moderate activity level to a higher activity level.

BMK - Locking and free option prosthetic knees

These knees incorporate an automatic lock and can be unlocked voluntarily. The manual locking knee is appropriate for weak or unstable patients as well as more active individuals who frequently walk on unstable terrain.

KX07 - Hydraulic knees

With a hydraulic ankle, when the heel is loaded, the 'ankle' adapts to the surface, so the foot can become flat on the slope with the leg still in a natural position. This provides greater control of momentum because the heel spring returns less energy, reducing the need for gait compensations.

Orion3 - Microprocessor knees

These knees provide a more sophisticated method of controlling a prosthetic knee than a mechanical prosthetic knee. They are designed to help the patient mimic the natural leg with more stability and gait.

Linx - The World's First and Only Integrated Limb System

We integrate the prosthetic foot, ankle and knee to work in unison with one another. Our limb system is designed to imitate the human biological foot, ankle and knee. Instead of being controlled by the central nervous system of the body, our integrated limb system is controlled by a single master computer processor. This master computer microprocessor gathers information from both the ankle joint and the knee joint and relays control strategies to each. This allows the knee to adapt to the slope or surface the person is standing or moving on.

The four main areas of health outcomes we strive to focus on with our prosthetic limbs are:

Decreasing the risk of falls
Reducing osteoarthritis
Lowering back pain
Reducing residual limb tissue injuries

Challenges Amputees Face

Introducing Linx

Fully integrated, microprocessor controlled lower limb system for above knee amputees.

Key Features

• Situational Awareness - Integrated sensors continuously collect data to seamlessly adapt the limb’s response.
• Varying levels of stance resistance to optimise safety at all times:
- Standing support
- Supported sitting
- Controlled stance support
- Stumble recovery
- Dynamic stair descent
- Dynamic slope descent
• Cycling Mode and Fixed Angle Flexion Lock Mode
• Knee Flexion to 130°
• Intuitive Programming Software via PC or App
• Up to 3 days battery life
• Sandal Toe Foot Shell

Linx Limb System

The Blatchford Community

For over 130 years Blatchford has designed and produced some of the world's most advanced artificial limbs and mobility solutions. Learn more about resources available to help you and/or the amputee in your life!

Community Support & Resources

Products