Staff Sgt. Alfredo De los santos walks down a flight of steps while showing off one of the latest X2 microprocessor knee prosthetics at the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Dec. 8, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby.
By U.S. Navy Petty Officer William Selby
Recently, I had the opportunity to go to a demonstration at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to see firsthand wounded warriors use the next generation in leg prosthetics called the X2 microprocessor knee.
The two wounded warriors wearing the prosthetic were above the knee amputees who had both used other prosthetics before using the X2 and had both complained of knee and hip joint pain in their intact legs. After switching to the X2, both said they were almost immediately relived of the pain because they could trust their new leg when placing weight on it.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The new prosthetic allows these men to do all their normal activities, including running, without switching legs.
“Ever since I got this leg it’s been heaven. I went to Busch gardens. I walked all day long. I only take it off when I go to sleep at night,” said Staff Sgt. Alfredo De los santos.
Staff Sgt. Alfredo De los santos displays what the X2 microprocessor knee prosthetic can do by stepping over a weight bench at the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Dec. 8, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby.
De los santos explained that he likes to be very active, so he really appreciates the new prosthesis.
“He is so much happier, he tells us this at least 20 times a day,” said Adele Levine, a physical therapist at the center. He’s always concerned about the future and his condition in 20 years; this gives him a lot of hope.”
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