Improvements in technology allow for more streamlined multi-faceted choices for prosthetic limbs

Blatchford's Beginnings 

Blatchford was founded in 1890 with the purpose of providing prosthetic limbs. Early designs featured the Anglesea, or Clapper Leg, but quickly went on to improve design, quality, and production as two world wars and political events spurred the need for better prostheses.  

Recognising the continued need, Blatchford would invent the Blatchford Stabilised Knee, addressing the need to stabilise when bearing weight, but also provide mobility during walking for a more natural gait. Further innovation came through the Modular Assembly Prosthesis (MAP), allowing for larger quantities of prosthesis to be made using a modular system.   
The innovations would continue through the decades as Blatchford began developing the world’s first carbon fibre prosthetic system, named Endolite®, which utilised the same materials developed for aircraft. This light, high-strength material became the necessary component that allows for better energy return for more rigorous activity. 

The Future of Blatchford Mobility 

The development of microprocessor-controlled limbs has paved the way into the modern world that employs Intelligent Prosthesis for better gait control. Combined with hydraulic prostheses, the artificial limbs now used for Blatchford patients boast a wide array of different choices. There are limbs that operate with microprocessors, as well as limbs that benefit from hydraulic technology, all to help create greater biomimicry. 

The goal of Blatchford has always been to help amputees. The values entrenched in the culture prioritise the people through innovation, integrity, and collaboration to achieve greater outcomes for patients. The wide range of choices available to patients when selecting their prosthesis ensures that the patient gets the best limb available to them for restoring a mobile life.  

Navigator, Esprit, BMK2, KX07, and Orion3 are all different prosthetic solutions designed with the amputee in mind to facilitate greater mobility and ease of movement. And one of the most recent innovations, Linx, is the first and only fully integrated limb system, where the ankle and the knee work in unison to provide the smoothest experience.  

Each innovation has been pivotal in creating change throughout the decades. The amputee community and prosthetic limb industry continue to benefit from ever increasing input and creative engineering. Blatchford, along with its peers, continue to bring next level technological achievements in prostheses to help change lives for the better. The future will continue to be paved by these changes to bring about greater progress.