The possibilities of bionic prostheses at ACC

Bionic prostheses are one of the most groundbreaking developments in the world of orthopaedics in recent years. These prostheses are currently unrivalled in terms of functionality, comfort and control of the prosthesis. Bionic limbs have a huge impact on the independence of prosthesis wearers. We at Amputee Care Center (by Spronken) would be happy to tell you more about these prostheses and how we can help you.

What are bionic prostheses?

Bionic prostheses are intelligent artificial limbs equipped with smart sensors, microprocessors and sometimes even motors. Together, these systems imitate the natural movements of a limb by converting electrical signals from muscles or nerves into movement. In a hand prosthesis, for example, muscle contractions are converted to grip force, while bionic leg prostheses adapt to the terrain or walking speed of the prosthetic wearer. These prostheses are designed to feel like an extension of the body. 

What are the advantages of bionic prostheses?

Choosing a good prosthesis and prosthetist is of enormous importance for amputees. Specifically, bionic prostheses have quite a few advantages over standard prostheses in this regard, including:

• Natural control and movement: Bionic prostheses use electrical signals and convert them into movements. As a prosthesis wearer, this gives you more control over your prosthesis and allows for more fluid movements.
• Adapts to the environment: Thanks to advanced sensors, bionic leg prostheses adapt to the surface and slope. This makes things like climbing stairs, climbing hills or walking on uneven terrain easier, without losing stability.
• More comfort: Modern bionic prostheses are lightweight and ergonomic. As a result, users are less likely to suffer from fatigue and the pressure on the stump is more evenly distributed.
• More independence: In our experience at ACC, prosthesis wearers experience more independence and confidence thanks to a bionic prosthesis. This is because it allows you to perform more activities that previously seemed impossible.
• Aesthetics: Many bionic prostheses have a futuristic appearance, which is functional but many children and adults also find visually appealing.

Counselling for a bionic prosthesis

Every prosthesis wearer has different needs. The team at Amputee Care Center (ACC) therefore always starts with a comprehensive evaluation and a no-obligation introductory meeting, including a free gait analysis at our prosthetic centre in Genk, Belgium. Do you possibly have to undergo another amputation? Then we always advise you to contact us before the amputation. We will discuss the most suitable prosthesis for you, based on your activity level, lifestyle and budget, for example.

We also assist you in building confidence with your new prosthesis. Every bionic finger prosthesis, hand prosthesis, arm prosthesis or leg prosthesis is fully customised so that you can take advantage of the latest bionic gadgets. 

At the Amputee Care Center, we also find it important to emphasise that a bionic prosthesis not only has a physical impact, but also mental and social. In our prosthesis centre, we therefore offer psychological counselling and support if required. This is how we help you cope with the emotional challenges of an amputation and using an innovative, modern prosthesis.

Why Amputee Care Center for bionic prostheses?

The ACC in Genk (by Spronken Orthopaedics) has more than 60 years of experience in assisting prosthesis wearers and making arm and leg prostheses for children and adults. We are distinguished by our unique concept of total care for amputees. The Amputee Care Center is a forerunner in advanced prosthetic technologies and had the first in Belgium in 2023 for the launch of Open Bionics' bionic arm, the most advanced bionic arm prosthesis on the market. 

In addition, the Amputee Care Center (ACC) has extensive experience with electronic prosthetic knees and bionic arm prostheses and provides support to the prosthetic wearer throughout the administrative and rehabilitation process.  

Scoop in Belgium at ACC - innovative bionic prostheses

Spronken Orthopaedics's prosthetics team at the Amputee Care Centre based in Genk, Belgium had another first! The ACC team was the first to deliver the a fully 3D printed bionic arm in the Benelux! This innovation enables users to make activities such as playing billiards, raising a glass, drumming or driving a car a pleasure again.

Spronken Orthopaedics' Amputee Care Centre works with the leading manufacturers of bionic prostheses offering advanced solutions for people with limb loss. 

Each prosthesis is unique and is custom-made with bionic components. The Amputee Care Centre (ACC) is manufacturer-independent. This has the great advantage that you can choose from a world range of innovative bionic solutions. Below is an overview of some of our key partners for bionic prosthetic parts:

Bionic arm prostheses for children and adults

• Hero Arm: The most innovative, lightweight, 3D-printed myoelectric prosthesis with a multi-articulating bionic hand and impressive aesthetics. Available for people with below-elbow amputation, it offers multiple grip options, 180-degree wrist rotation and interchangeable 3D printed covers. It is the most popular bionic arm prosthesis among children, young adults and people with arm amputations who lead active lives. 
• i-Limb Quantum: A bionic hand prosthesis that allows prosthesis wearers to switch between different grips with simple gestures, with up to 32 automatic grips available. 
• Hero Gauntlet: An active partial hand prosthesis designed for movement and tailored to the unique limb presentation of the prosthetic wearer. The Hero Gauntlet uses wrist movement for control and is manufactured with precision 3D printing, using strong and flexible materials. 
• Bebionic Hand: A multi-articulating myoelectric hand prosthesis available with 14 selectable grips and hand positions. This bionic hand prosthesis enables prosthesis users to perform various daily activities. 
• Michelangelo Hand: A fully articulated robotic hand prosthesis that mimics natural hand movements. This prosthesis is designed for a wide range of delicate daily tasks. 
• MyoHand VariPlus Speed: A myoelectric hand prosthesis that provides fast and accurate grasping functions, allowing users to perform daily tasks more efficiently. 

At the Amputee Care Center (ACC), you will receive no-obligation advice on which type of bionic prosthesis best suits you. We will also prepare a detailed price quote for you (free of charge) and help you with applications for approval for reimbursement or reimbursement.

Bionic leg prostheses for children and adults

• Axiles Bionics foot: The prosthesis team at the ACC (Amputee Care Center) is working with Axiles, a spin-off from the Free University of Brussels, specialising in the development of components for bionic ankle-foot prostheses. Their first product, the Lunaris prosthesis, is a passive version of the bionic foot and is already available in Belgium and the Netherlands through the Amputee Care Center. 
• Rheo Knee: A popular choice of amputees with an upper leg prosthesis. A microprocessor-controlled knee for upper leg prostheses that adapts in real-time to walking speed and surface, providing a natural and stable walking experience. 
• Power Knee: Another popular prosthetic knee for upper leg amputees. This microprocessor-controlled knee provides support when walking on flat surfaces, climbing and descending slopes or stairs, and standing up. 
• Pro-Flex Foot Family: This range of prosthetic feet available from the ACC are designed to provide natural, comfortable and smooth movements, with adaptability to different user needs. 
• SYNSYS: A unique integral mechatronic system that provides a kinematic link between ankle and knee movements, as an extension of the hip. This microprocessor-controlled solution facilitates everyday situations and enables the patient to move with confidence. The system offers at least four days of autonomy with a full six-hour recharge time.

At the Amputee Care Center, you get no-obligation advice on which type of bionic leg prosthesis best suits you. We will also provide you with a detailed price quote (free of charge).

Are bionic prostheses reimbursed or covered?

Unfortunately, bionic prostheses are not routinely (fully) reimbursed or reimbursed by Belgian mutual health insurances or Dutch health insurances. A bionic arm prosthesis may offer many more advantages, but it is also much more expensive than a basic prosthesis. Health insurers and mutual insurance companies therefore unfortunately do not see an advanced bionic arm prosthesis as a medical necessity. Fortunately, electronic knee for upper leg prostheses is reimbursed nowadays. This means that bionic leg prostheses are now more the norm than the exception for active upper leg prosthesis users. 

At Amputee Care Center, we are happy to help you apply for reimbursements and tell you about the options. We will help you so you can claim the maximum reimbursement. In practice, however, a co-payment almost always applies to advanced bionic prostheses. Therefore, this is unfortunately not financially feasible for everyone. 

Reimbursement of bionic children's prostheses

Still, we see a lot of parents opting for a bionic arm prosthesis or leg prosthesis for their children to give them the best chances in life. Bionic children's prostheses are very popular at the Amputee Care Center. But adult prosthesis wearers with an active lifestyle also often opt for a bionic arm prosthesis or leg prosthesis, despite the sometimes hefty extra cost. 

The reimbursement or compensation for bionic leg prostheses for children (electronic prosthetic knee) is a lot better than for advanced arm prostheses. It is advisable to make an appointment with us to discuss the most suitable prosthetic options and the corresponding possible financial support.

Reimbursement for bionic upper leg prostheses

In Belgium, the electronic prosthetic knee, also known as microprocessor-controlled knee (MCK), has been reimbursed by the NIHDI since 1 February 2021. This reimbursement or allowance is intended for people with an upper leg amputation who meet specific criteria. The ACC has extensive experience with electronic prosthetic knees and offers support to the prosthesis wearer throughout the process.

Conditions for reimbursement electronic prosthetic knee

Type of amputation:

• Amputation through the knee or above.
• Double-sided amputation with loss of at least one knee joint.
• Dysmelia where the remaining limb corresponds to a stump through the knee or above. 

Activity level:

The patient must belong to activity group 3, 4 or 5, as defined by the NIHDI.

• Activity group 3: Prosthetic users with limited walking function who use one or more walking aids, are able to get around without assistance and participate in social activities outside the home.
• Activity group 4: Active prosthesis users who can walk without other walking aids.
• Activity group 5: Active prosthesis users who can step without other walking aids and pass an additional walking test. 

Application procedure bionic leg prosthesis explained in steps

1. Consultation at the Amputee Care Center:

• Consult the Amputee Care Center (ACC). We will help you through the entire application process for reimbursement or reimbursement.
• We work closely with physician-specialists affiliated with the approved rehabilitation centres to initiate the application file for reimbursement and obtain a medical prescription for an electronic knee. 

2. Evaluation:

We support the prosthesis wearer in the evaluation. A multidisciplinary team, consisting of a physician-specialist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and prosthetist, assesses whether an MCK adds functional value for the patient. 

3. Test period electronic knee:

We provide you with a test knee, allowing you to test an electronic prosthetic knee for a certain period of time to evaluate its benefits and suitability. 

4. Submission dossier:

After a positive evaluation, a complete file, including test results and medical motivation, is submitted to the NIHDI for approval for reimbursement or reimbursement. 

Renewal period:

The renewal period for bionic thigh prostheses is the same as for non-bionic thigh prostheses. Reimbursement or reimbursement of your electronic knee can only be requested at the time you are entitled to a renewal.

Training and counselling:

After approval and we have delivered your leg prosthesis with electronic knee, it is essential to follow a personal training programme under the guidance of physiotherapists and our prosthetists to make optimal use of the prosthesis.

For more information and guidance on the application process, please contact specialised centres such as the Amputee Care Center by Spronken.  

Free quote for bionic prostheses

A bionic prosthesis makes a big change in the lives of people with an amputation. Thanks to innovations like this and expert care at the Amputee Care Center, as a prosthesis wearer, you regain not only your mobility but also your independence and self-confidence. We at the ACC remain committed to holistic care and are a pioneer in making bionic prosthetics accessible to everyone who needs it.

Interested in what bionic prosthetics can do for you? Make a no-obligation appointment at the Amputee Care Center and discover the possibilities. We would love to meet you in a free introductory meeting and then also make you a tailor-made offer.

Request a free introductory consultation