Michael, Bilateral Rotationplasty Amputee using Microprocessor Knees

Wow! This has to be one of the most incredible transformations we've ever witnessed - and we've seen a lot! Michael, now 17, was born with proximal femoral focal deficiency affecting both his limbs and hips. He was unable to walk, and used a wheelchair full-time until 2019, when he underwent rotationplasty surgery on both legs - essentially turning his limbs around so that the ankles could act as knees. That surgery allowed Michael to stand for the first time ever! He eventually learned how to walk, but due to his unique anatomy, his hips and ankles had limited ability, so he learned to walk with stiff legs, leaning heavily on two canes. Recently, he visited his surgeon to see if there was a way to increase his mobility, and he referred Michael to us. While we began fitting him with a new set of traditional rotationplasty sockets, Stan came up with the idea to try walking him on microprocessor knees. This video shows Michael's progression using the knees from Day 1 and through Day 7, when he walked unassisted around and outside of our office. It was incredible, to say the least. Michael and his dad are returning to Montana this week, where he will continue walking and training. He's really excited to walk off the plane to greet his mom. 😍