EXPERIENCING GREATER FREEDOM WITH THE emPOWER ANKLE My Story In 2005, I lost my left leg below the knee while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq. After receiving medical treatment and recovering at the Walter Reed Medical Center, I was eventually fitted with a conventional prosthetic leg. The mobility limitations of the conventional device became quickly apparent. In 2012, I was introduced to the BiOM Ankle by my prosthetist. Since then the powered propulsion has allowed me to care for my two small children, volunteer with veterans’ service organizations and pursue outdoor sports ranging from golf to snowmobiling. The emPOWER Ankle provides the same Power, Control and Stability of the BiOM Ankle but with a more natural feeling step, a longer battery life and a more compact design. I can walk seamlessly on various terrains without worrying about the surface below – this has been especially important when landscaping, doing volunteer work and playing with my children. Getting in and out of a vehicle, is much easier with the emPOWER Ankle’s smaller, integrated battery. The flexion provided by the emPOWER Ankle allows for a comfortable ride as a driver or passenger. I can now rely on two batteries to get me through a full day of activities with my small children. The battery placement and charge indicator lights at the front of the emPOWER Ankle are convenient and swapping batteries is much easier. The walking distance and speed, provided by the emPOWER Ankle, allows for a more productive day. Climbing stairs and walking up grades takes less energy than with a conventional prosthesis - energy I can put toward hunting and fishing. Staying Mobile and Active with the emPOWER Ankle My Story When I was 19, I was a young Army bride living in Germany. Touring the scenic countryside on motorcycles was an activity all of our friends enjoyed. On a sightseeing ride near Heidelberg, my husband’s bike began to have mechanical issues. As a precaution, I got off his bike on the side of the road to ride with a friend. After making the passenger switch, we were hit head on by a drunk driver. I owe my life to a doctor at the scene who placed a tourniquet on my thigh and saved me from bleeding out. From that moment on my life was forever changed. I was helicoptered to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. I had ten breaks in my lower limbs and my femur - all compound fractures. My arm and back were also broken. They put me back together over 10 hours of surgery. When I woke up from surgery, I was in a body cast. Three days after my first surgery, I got gangrene and had to be amputated just above the ankle. After five surgeries, they finally took my leg at the knee. My accident recovery and rehabilitation took place at Walter Reed Army Medical Center over a period of two years. Eventually, I went on to raise two wonderful sons – one of whom is a prosthetist. Today, I run a very active antique dealership in a historic town and volunteer as a Peer Advisor for both the Amputee Coalition and the Veterans Affairs Healthcare system. I enjoy hiking, golfing and any chance to walk the beach. My favorite times are those spent with my grandchildren. My Evolving Experience When I received my BiOM Ankle in 2014, I felt like I had been given back my lower limb that had been missing for 42 years. The refinements offered by the emPOWER Ankle take the benefits of the BiOM Ankle to a new level. Right away, I noticed a smoother power delivery to my step with the emPOWER Ankle. The compact design features a forward-facing, integrated battery with a battery charge indicator that is easy to read. The new design now works with boots in cold weather. The emPOWER Battery is much smaller and I can carry it in my handbag also. At home or in my shop, the emPOWER Charger takes up less valuable counter space. Confidence & Control with the emPOWER Ankle My Story In the summer of 2006, I suffered a traumatic injury to my leg due to a fall. I used a conventional prosthesis for seven years. Despite maintaining a healthy weight, stretching and being disciplined with my gait, I eventually suffered hip and back pain. My knee on my sound side began to hurt after long days standing on the job. I was taking 600 mg of ibuprofen daily. I often had to rely on a cane which was difficult in my 20’s – I was self-conscious about being reliant on an assistive device, as well as the stares and treatment that came with using one. In 2012, a BiOM Ankle was approved through my private insurance carrier. The powered propulsion provided by the BiOM Ankle was a game changer. I was able to stop using a cane immediately. In addition, I was able to stop taking ibuprofen because my back, hip and knee no longer hurt. My work day was no longer painful and I had energy after work to exercise and carry out home renovations. Responsive Redesign The refined design of the emPOWER Ankle integrates a smaller, more well-positioned battery that provides up to twice as much run time. Battery life is no longer something that needs to be planned carefully. Recently, I was able to complete a day hike on Mt. Champlain’s Precipice Trail using just one battery over the 1,000 foot climb. Ascending stairs is one instance where improved power delivery is noticeable over the BiOM Ankle - it just feels smoother. My gait with the emPOWER Ankle is even more natural accross all terrains and surfaces. As an advocate, I have been excited to see BionX incorporate the feedback of the BiOM Ankle user community into the new emPOWER Ankle. The emPOWER Ankle has all the benefits of the BiOM Ankle in a more compact design. I no longer have to worry about the battery hitting the doorjam when I get in and out of my car. COMFORT AND CONTROL OVER VARIED TERRAIN With BiOM ANKLES My Story Louis Molina lost his legs as a result of shrapnel damage which occurred while he was serving with the U.S. army. A bi-lateral amputee, Louis does not let anything slow him down. At the age of 76, he is active with his local American Legion Post and spends as much time as he can taking care of his yard and garden. Since his amputation in 1973, Louis has tried many prosthetics. He received his original BiOM Ankles through the Pensacola VA in February 2013. In March of 2016, he received his BiOM T2 Ankles. Louis noticed the more consistent power delivery of the T2s (which featured some mechanical and programming upgrades over the original BiOM Ankle) right away. In addition, his BiOM T2 Ankles move him safely across variable landscape terrains in his Florida yard – damp grass, mulch, dirt and paving rocks are all surfaces that can be safely navigated – even when carrying equipment and supplies. Louis attributes his ability to walk the malls with his wife, grocery shop and stay active outside to the continually improving and evolving platform of BionX Ankles. “They are the most comfortable prostheses that I have ever owned. I have more freedom to do things with my family, indoors and out”. LIVING BETTER WITH POWERED PROPULSION Early in 2016, Dan Schwartz, age 66, was fit with a BiOM Ankle. Originally, Dan was reluctant to try the BiOM, “At first, I resisted. I felt it might help a younger guy better than me and that I didn’t need ‘expensive’ technology. What I had was good enough. I chalked feeling unstable and slower up to my age.” Finally, Dan’s son – a licensed occupational therapist – made a convincing point related to his overall health. “The V.A. would probably rather put money into a new leg and get me active again than have to deal with more expensive heart surgery and possible complications down the road. It’s a bargain”. Recently, BionX launched the emPOWER Ankle which offers all of the trusted benefits of the BiOM Ankle in an improved design. Dan’s experience on the BiOM Ankle highlight a key feature of both products – powered propulsion. Power, Control & Stability Dan and his wife, Kathy, were hopeful that the BiOM Ankle would provide the strength and balance Dan needed to walk regularly so they could have a dog again. After a short time on his new Ankle, Dan knew he was up to the demands of an active pet. Dan and Kathy are now walking their 77 lb puppy multiple times per day. “I am walking distances I have not walked in over five years. The amount of walking I am doing has helped me to lose weight and lower my blood pressure,” reports Dan, “Creed is expected to weigh 120 lbs when he is full grown. He is very strong. My Ankle has given me the confidence to walk with him in all weather conditions and over different surfaces.” Improved Quality of Life Dan has had a substantial increase in energy since receiving his Ankle via his VA benefits. Kathy is pleased to share, “We both spend more time with our grandchildren. I have noticed him playing ball and rolling around the floor with our 7-year-old grandson – he hadn’t done that type of activity in years.” THE BiOM ANKLE ENABLES AN ATHLETE, ADVOCATE AND ADVENTURER My Story In 2012, I was struck by a distracted driver on the road shoulder while putting my bike on the car rack after a long ride with my daughter. My right leg was more severely injured than my left. The injuries to my right leg left me facing more surgery – with its increased risks of infection, pain, as well as, months of continued therapy with no guarantees about leg function after reconstruction. A few months after the crash, I decided to have my right leg amputated below the knee. Keeping my leg would have required additional weeks of hospitalization followed by continued time in a bed and a wheelchair with more pain. I wanted to get on with my life. VA Health Care Provides Access to the Latest Technology At the time of my accident, I had never used the VA health benefit that I had earned during my Vietnam Era service. After leaving the Army, the insurance provided by my civilian employer covered the healthcare needs of my family through the years. Although I knew healthcare coverage was a benefit that I qualified for as a veteran, the VA Healthcare System was simply not a care option I considered prior to my accident. At the time of the crash, I was semi-retired and no longer had the insurance coverage of a full-time employer. The VA Healthcare System and my earned benefit was there for me – years after being discharged from the Army. I have no regrets about my decision to move forward with amputation – especially at my local VA Medical Center. At the West Palm Beach VAMC, I have received state-of-the-art amputee care from my surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapy team and clinical prosthetist. My VA clinical prosthetist introduced me to the BiOM Ankle. The powered propulsion appealed to me as I was anxious to get mobile - back to fitness walking, hiking and life. It was great to learn that my VA benefits would cover technology as advanced as the BiOM Ankle. In addition, my VA clinical prosthetist was Living with Personal Bionics With the BiOM Ankle, I have been able to volunteer as a safety advocate by speaking out against distracted driving in schools and community groups. I also volunteer as a VA Peer Advocate working with amputees and surgical patients. Sharing my experience allows the VA patients to visualize an end to their challenges from a recent amputation. I find strength and enjoy the camaraderie in hearing their stories and understanding their struggles. The BiOM Ankle has given me the freedom to get back to living. In addition to hiking with my daughter, I have resumed cycling and fitness walking, and have been able to try new sports. A family history of heart disease makes exercise a daily priority for my long-term health. Exercise as an amputee has been as fun and competitive as cycling and fitness walking before my accident. Now, I enjoy the support – and healthy competition – of friends I have made through adaptive sports groups and veteran organizations such as the Wounded Warriors. The fitness I have achieved and maintained while walking on my BiOM Ankle has allowed me to loose weight and maintain heart health. 5K Feedback Learn more about the power of BionX’s prostheses at www.try-emPOWER.com
Dan, March ’16 - enjoying a walk shortly after being fit with his BiOM Ankle by Tony Fruci, C.P. of St Paul, MN Dan & Creed, Dec. ’16 - A stronger and trimmer Dan enjoying a walk with an older Creed. 
already trained to fit the BiOM Ankle and eager to work with me at an appropriate time in my recovery for maximum benefit.
Steve Husome recently walked a 5K fundraising event on a BionX prosthesis. “When I completed the 3.2 mile course, I felt really good. The last time I walked a 5K on my regular foot, I could really feel the strain on my support leg,” shared Steve. The Director of Operations at Clark & Associates, Steve is used to covering a lot of ground on any given day. He reports, “After using BiOM, I didn’t feel any discomfort or fatigue. I also did not feel the levels of strain in my lower back and hips which I usually have after walking that far in one stretch”. The Glowstick 5K was founded by Taylor Morris, who lost all four of his limbs during Navy deployment in 2012, as a way to give back to the community that supported him when he returned from Afghanistan. Steve appreciated that the BionX prosthesis allowed him to cover the 5K distance in less time than he could previously while supporting a great cause.
