Kadam: India’s First Polycentric Prosthetic Knee launched by IIT Madras

 

KADAM: India’s first indigenous polycentric prosthetic knee made by IIT-Madras

To improve the quality of lives of thousands of above-knee amputees, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) Researchers have launched India’s first indigenously developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee. The product name is 'Kadam'.

It is suitable for both short and long residual limbs after transfemoral (above-knee) amputation. It features frictional swing control adjustment for different walking speeds and can provide stability even on uneven terrain. It provides maximum knee flexion of 160 degrees and more, can be used in different surfaces and steep slopes.

Kadam has been specially designed for durability with high strength materials: Aluminium alloy - Al 6061 T6, Stainless steel-SS-304 along with hard chrome plated EN8 pins and high fatigue life polymer bushings, the researchers said.

This ‘Made-in-India’ polycentric knee for Above Knee Prosthesis has developed by the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT-Madras in association with the Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT) and Mobility India.

‘Kadam' marks the fourth assistive device that R2D2 has designed, developed and commercialized for people with movement impairments. R2D2, had earlier developed and commercialized the country's first standing wheelchair, the 'Arise,' as well as the NeoFly-NeoBolt: active wheelchair and motorized add-on for seamless indoor-outdoor mobility.

Left: Users of ‘Kadam’ the Prosthetic Knee developed by IIT Madras Researchers which was launched today

Right: Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan (L), Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research & Device Development, IIT-M, addressing launch event

Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras stressed the unique aspects of Kadam in comparison with existing products.

Srinivasan said that the functional requirements, socioeconomic and environmental challenges of Indian users are unique. Taking these needs into account, the user-centric Design of Kadam meets international quality standards while being 4-5 times more affordable than comparable imported knees.

Apart from providing stability, 'Kadam' reduces the risk of stumbling. Its patented geometry is specifically optimized for use even on uneven terrains.

Kadam is indigenously developed with high quality and performance, complying with ISO 10328 standards including 30 lakh cycles of fatigue testing. 

A press release issued by IIT-Madras notes, “Kadam has advantages over a hinge joint because of the multiple axes of rotation and is specifically optimized to provide the user greater control over the prosthesis while walking, and a maximum knee flexion of 160 degrees to make it easy to sit in cramped spaces like buses and autos. It is designed for durability with high strength stainless steel and aluminium alloy along with hard chrome plated EN8 pins and high fatigue life polymer bushings.”

“Through Mobility India, extensive clinical trials have been conducted in various geographical settings–urban, peri-urban and rural. Feedback from these trials has ensured that the design is user-centric and functional in different environments,” notes the release.

Addressing the launch event virtually, Thiru Johny Tom Varghese IAS, State Commissioner for PWD, Government of Tamil Nadu, said "technology bridges the gap between the world of a Differently Abled Person with that of others."

"It is phenomenal to see how technology can usher in inclusion in all walks of life. Kadam is an amazing innovation, along with other similarly path-breaking products that were developed by R2D2 IIT Madras, making technology accessible and affordable" Varghese said.

SBMT, which supported the development process, was set up under Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to enable indigenous medical device development. Whereas, Mobility India is a Bengaluru-based non-profit, will work on to mass manufacturing of 'Kadam' and bring it into the market along with overseeing the processes of fitment, training and ensuring easy access for the users.