What’s On This Page?
- A Quick Look at the Rheo Knee XC
- Magnetorheological Fluid (MRF) Technology
- Sensor & Microprocessor Capabilities
- Benefits Specific to the Rheo Knee XC
- Compatibility with Prosthetic Feet
- Batteries
- Water & Dust Resistance
- Device Weight & User Weight Limit
- K-Level Rating
- User Software
- Warranty
- Price
- User Feedback Survey & Results
- Considerations Before Buying a Rheo Knee XC
- Related Information
Ossur’s Rheo Knee XC is the premium version of its sister product, the Rheo Knee. Added features include the ability to transition more quickly from walking to running and from walking to bicycling. Users can also ascend stairs step-over-step and navigate obstacles with more stability and safety.
A Quick Look at the Rheo Knee XC
The following video is interesting because it not only shows many of the advanced features of the Rheo Knee XC; it also provides a glimpse of the rehab journey when using the XC:
Regardless of one’s preference for different companies/technologies, it is always inspiring to see someone go from a wheelchair to full mobility!
This next video shows a very experienced prosthetic user (Chris Olivier) testing his Rheo Knee XC on a rugged mountain hike after only one week of use. Watch from 06:00 to 09:00 for the most relevant section:
That Chris would trust a new device on such a challenging hike speaks volumes about the XC’s added stability/security. However, before attempting extreme outings like this with your bionic knee, we do urge you to spend a bit of time on Chris’s YouTube channel at The Amped Life with Chris, where he provides a lot of great advice.
Rheo Knee XC’s Key Features
The following subsections are virtually identical to those used to describe the base version of the Rheo Knee. We have provided these subsections for completeness but have also added a new subsection to describe the XC’s additional features.
Magnetorheological Fluid (MRF) Technology
The Rheo Knee XC has a cylinder filled with blades and the MRF. When there is no magnetic field, the MRF flows freely between the blades and acts as a lubricant, allowing the knee to move freely. But when the XC generates an electromagnetic field, the metal particles in the MRF align to form a bridge between the blades, causing resistance. The stronger the field, the more resistance.
In a hydraulic knee, the hydraulic fluid must be pushed from one chamber to another to increase or decrease resistance. This takes longer than using an electromagnetic field and explains why the Rheo Knee XC responds more quickly than its hydraulic competitors.
There is also a lower limit to hydraulic resistance, so even if the user wants the knee to swing freely (e.g. when walking very fast), the hydraulics will still cause a bit of drag and a slight delay.
In contrast, an MRF knee can quickly reduce its electromagnetic field to nearly zero, essentially eliminating all resistance.
For the true techies among you, here is a diagram of the difference between the XC’s MRF technology versus the hydraulic system used in Ottobock’s C-Leg:
Sensor & Microprocessor Capabilities
To understand how bionic knees work in general, please see A Complete Guide to Bionic Legs & Feet.
The short story is that the microprocessors in bionic knees have three main tasks:
- automatically adjusting the resistance in the knee to ensure the proper level of support through each stage of the Stance Phase regardless of terrain;
- ensuring the optimal release point for the knee to begin the Swing Phase and also the proper foot clearance during this phase, especially when ascending stairs, ramps, etc.;
- assisting in stumble recovery.
The Rheo Knee XC addresses most of these issues but it does not actively manage the Swing Phase after release from the Stance Phase. Instead, it becomes a free-swinging knee until the foot touches down again and reactivates the electromagnetic field to generate resistance and provide support.
During the Swing Phase, it is up to the user to ensure proper foot clearance to avoid tripping.
The biggest benefit of this approach is that it reduces the user’s energy consumption, as described in this video:
The biggest drawback is that if users do not have good control over their residual limb (typically K2 or lower K3 users), there is a greater chance of failing to attain sufficient foot clearance during the Swing Phase, which increases the risk of stumbling/falling. There is an optional setting to keep the knee stiff and to maintain five degrees of flexion during the Swing Phase to address these issues, but this sacrifices some of the aforementioned energy savings.
Benefits Specific to the Rheo Knee XC
The primary benefits of the XC model versus the base Rheo Knee are the ability to:
- transition more quickly from walking to running;
- transition more quickly from walking to bicycling;
- ascend stairs step-over-step with more stability and safety;
- step over obstacles with more stability and safety.
We have attempted but have so far been unable to determine exactly how the Rheo Knee XC has achieved these improvements. Based on the identical physical specifications, the improvements appear to be software-related or possibly based on some kind of enhancement to the electronics. We have submitted this question to Ossur and will update this section as soon as we receive an answer.
Compatibility with Prosthetic Feet
As is the case with most companies that make both bionic knees and prosthetic feet, the Rheo Knee XC is best paired with Ossur feet. This includes Ossur’s bionic Proprio Foot as well as the company’s pure carbon fiber K3 feet.
For high-impact activities, the Rheo Knee XC can also be paired with Ossur’s Re-Flex Shock foot.
Batteries
The Rheo Knee XC’s battery can last for between 48-72 hours of continuous use, depending on the level of activity.
If completely drained, the battery requires three hours to fully charge.
As with most bionic limbs, it is best to charge the XC’s battery each night.
Water & Dust Resistance
The Rheo Knee XC has an IP rating of 34, meaning it is protected from occasional water splashing from any angle but cannot be submerged. It is not corrosion resistant and should not be exposed to salt or chlorinated water.
The knee should also not come into contact with sand or be used in a dusty environment because it lacks protection against particles smaller than 2.5 mm.
Device Weight & User Weight Limit
The Rheo Knee XC weighs 1.6 kilograms. The maximum allowable user weight for the knee is 136 kilograms, though this drops to 110 kilograms if the knee is being used for running.
K-Level Rating
The added capabilities of the Rheo Knee XC shift the target user group toward the high K3 to low K4 activity levels, especially when used with its default settings.
For a thorough understanding of K-levels, please see the Amputee Coalition’s web page on this topic.
User Software
The Rheo Knee XC is supported by software called the Ossur Logic App, which is available for IOS and Android devices.
For users, this application provides view-only capabilities including step count and battery charge level, as well as functional training exercises. Of note, Ossur seems have placed increased emphasis on training exercises with both the Rheo and Rheo XC.
Operating in Expert Mode, trained clinicians can use the application to change the knee’s settings.
Warranty
Ossur offers a full three-year warranty on the Rheo Knee XC including any repair costs due to defects.
The warranty can be extended to five years at the user’s option. Under this option, the knee must be subjected to a mandatory inspection between 36 and 40 months after purchase.
Ossur provides a free service unit during repair and service inspections.
Price
According to our information, the Rheo Knee XC typically sells for between $60,000 and $70,000 US including the socket, prosthetic foot, and all prosthetist fees.
User Feedback Survey & Results
Are you or have you previously been a Rheo Knee XC customer? If so, please share your insights with others looking at the Rheo Knee XC as a possible prosthesis.
Survey
Results
We do not yet have a sufficient number of survey participants to publish fair and accurate results for the Rheo Knee XC.
As soon as we do, we’ll update this section.
Considerations Before Buying a Rheo Knee XC
The biggest consideration before buying the Rheo Knee XC is whether you are sufficiently active (mid-to-high K3, low K4 user) to benefit from the Rheo’s MRF technology without incurring the increased risk of tripping if you are not. High K2 and low K3 users can use the Rheo Knee XC with its optional Swing Initiation setting, but if you need to use this feature on an ongoing basis, you should probably explore hydraulic alternatives.
The choice between the Rheo Knee XC versus its base model depends on whether you will take advantage of the XC’s added high-activity capabilities for running, biking, etc. If not, the increased cost of $10,000 US is likely not worth it.
There is also a question of compatibility. A knee that uses MRF will feel different than a hydraulic knee. Will that difference be better or worse for you? Because that’s entirely dependent on your personal circumstances and preferences, we strongly suggest that you test at least one hydraulic knee, such as the Ottobock’s Genium, before purchasing a Rheo Knee XC (and vice-versa).
Related Information
For a list of competitive devices, see Current Options for Microprocessor Knees.
For a complete description of all current lower-limb technologies, devices, and research, see our comprehensive guide.
Click here for more information on Ossur.