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Home > In The News > Second Chances
Second Chances
For man whose leg was amputated, walking is becoming easy again
(C-Leg provided by John Bryant, CPO Michigan Orthopedic Services)
Richard Loeffler has never given up hope, even in the worst of situations. After losing his right leg due to surgical complications in 1989, he has tried again and again to find a prosthetic leg that would give him the ability to walk smoothly again.
Loeffler never used a wheelchair permanently, never stopped trying to improve his walk, and never gave up hope that it would get easier.
After five previous prosthetic legs, Loeffler watched an advertisement on television that told him about a new leg called the C-Leg, or "computer-leg." Immediately, Loeffler began making inquiries on the new technology and found answers at Bi-County Community Hospital in Warren. He has been amazed at the progress he has made in just four months after 13 years with other prosthetic legs.
"None of the other prosthetic legs were anywhere near as good as this one has been," he said. "This one has given me the freedom and confidence I have now. Having that confidence back is the best part."
The C-Leg is a new knee-shin system using a microprocessor - controlled hydraulic knee with swing and stance phase control. This means that an amputee doesn't need to put very much effort into moving his or her new leg, and can instead focus on where he or she is going, not how to get there. Onboard sensor technology reads and adapts to the individual's every move.
Because of the technology, Loeffler is able to walk on uneven surfaces, such as hills and grass, as well as stairs, something he struggled with previously.
The new leg has also given more freedom to his wife, Sharon, who no longer has to keep such a close eye on him for fear of him falling.
"It's easier," Sharon said. "He isn't falling now. The stress level has been so much better, and he walks much faster now."
Loeffler wears the leg throughout the day and charges it throughout the night. He still keeps regular appointments with his physical therapist at BI-County Community Hospital, Adrian Lahr. Lahr works with Loeffler on uneven surfaces, stairs and other exercises. During his trips to the hospital, he also visits with John Bryant, a certified C-Leg technician.
Bryant adjusts the leg for Loeffler, making changes to the microchip. Adjustments require a laptop computer and the C-Leg software. Loeffler doesn't have to be in Michigan to receive the adjustments, either. The C-Leg can be adjusted nationwide.
"That means if he travels to Florida, he doesn't have to fly back to Michigan to have an adjustment made," said Bryant. "He just has to contact a C-Leg technician."
But traveling isn't top on Loeffler's mind. First he plans to get back on the golf course. Loeffler had problems with other prosthetic legs when it came to the locking of the leg and bending it again to play golf. The C-Leg will allow for those adjustments on the golf course.
The C-Leg can also be programmed for bicycling, running, in-line skating and numerous other activities.
"The energy you have with this leg is amazing," Loeffler said. "I am not exhausted after I walk a ways. I can walk farther and faster now and still have energy."
Taken from the September 29, 2002 edition of The Advisor Newspaper.
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