BILLINGS - A few Billings residents got a chance to test drive the latest technology in prosthetics Tuesday morning. The company called Otto Bock travels around the nation letting amputees try out their newest prosthetics.
Dennis Emmerick, 65, was one trying out the new C-Leg. Emmerick is an above-the-knee amputee. He lost his leg three years ago from cancer. The C-Leg has a micro-processor in the knee that provides increased stability for patients. A computer controls the leg, adjusting the micro-chip to each patient's toe and heel movement and knee angle.
A prosthetist with Otto Bock and the C-Leg says there is an increased demand for higher quality prosthetics right now as many soldiers are returning from the Iraq War with missing limbs. "As these enhancements get developed for the military personnel then they will translate into day to day use for folks who aren't part of the service," said Michael Leach, CPO, Otto Bock.
Emmerick said he liked the C-Leg and is glad he had the opportunity to test drive it. "It's just something that takes time and you've got to work through the different obstacles," he said. And will continue to take the new technology and finding the right fit, one step at a time.
Prosthetists with Treasure State Orthodics and Prosthetics Clinic in Billings said prosthetics, like the C-leg, cost around $45,000 dollars. They said Medicare covers one leg every 5 years, and most insurance companies cover one every 3-to-4 years.