Microprocessor controlled knee replacement (MCK)

A Micro-Processor-Controlled Knee (MCK) - is an electronic prosthetic knee for upper leg replacements after (trans-femoral) amputation. An MC is designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee joint as closely as possible. This is especially ideal for active prosthesis wearers with transfemoral amputation.

The intelligent MCK (MPK in Dutch) knee automatically responds to your movements. Thanks to built-in sensors and a microprocessor, the knee adjusts in real-time. This gives you more stability, a more natural gait pattern, reduced energy consumption and extra safety. Think options like a trip recovery function. At Amputee Care Center, we look together to see if this technology suits your lifestyle. Schedule a free introductory meeting and discover all the possibilities and various MCK models

Active people with an upper leg prosthesis are usually a good candidate. Whether you are suitable depends on several factors: your amputation level, health, activity level and the functioning of your current prosthesis. Your personal goals also play an important role. At Amputee Care Center, we always start with a no-obligation screening or gait analysis to determine whether an MCK can effectively improve your gait pattern. With us, you can try out and test various models of MCK knees.

An MCK may be suitable for you if:

• You have an active walking pattern: You can walk independently, possibly with a crutch or other aid. You regularly walk outdoors, on different surfaces.
• You experience stability problems with a normal knee: You feel insecure or have already experienced a fall with a mechanical knee.
• You walk on slopes, uneven terrain or stairs: The MCK can adapt to these situations, making them safer and less tiring.
• You want a more energy-efficient and natural walking pattern: especially over longer distances, you feel less fatigue.
• You are cognitively and physically able to deal with technology:
• You understand how the prosthesis works and can deal with charging and settings of the knee.

Yes, absolutely. At an authorised prosthetic centre, such as the Amputee Care Center, you can try out and test various electronic prosthetic knees. During the official testing process, you get the chance to try out one or more MCK models under professional guidance. This way, you will experience for yourself the difference in balance, walking comfort and confidence. Our MCK experts will guide you step by step: from testing and training to preparing a reimbursement application and fitting and making your new upper leg prosthesis.

Making an MCK (Microprocessor Controlled Knee) leg prosthesis is a multi-step process, both medical and technical. Here is an overview from introduction, testing, reimbursement application, to making ven your MCK Prosthesis.

• MCK expertise: Amputee Care Center has extensive experience with electronic prosthetic knees and works with recognised suppliers. Together, we discover which prosthetic knee is most suitable for you.
• Testing with personal guidance: Our prosthetists and prosthesis coaches offer professional guidance to help you learn to use the MCK electronic knee correctly and get the most out of it.  
• Reimbursement: We inform you about the conditions for reimbursement (reimbursement) and help you with the application process. After an initial evaluation with your current prosthesis, a specific socket, foot and knee will be put together for a test period. We then prepare a reimbursement file for you.
• Fitting and fabrication of your final MCK prosthesis.

An MCK electronic knee for thigh replacements is a high-tech device and can cost quite a bit. An MCK prosthesis is expensive, usually between €25,000 and €45,000, depending on the type of knee and associated components.

Fortunately, reimbursement systems exist in Belgium and the Netherlands. In Belgium, since 2021, the RIZIV provides (full) reimbursement for certain models, from the age of 18. In the Netherlands, reimbursement depends on your health insurer and policy conditions. The Amputee Care Center is a focus centre of Spronken Orthopaedics. We have been a recognised prosthetic supplier in Belgium and the Netherlands for more than 60 years and know the reimbursement rules in both countries.  We ensure a correct application with no surprises. 

Not everyone is immediately eligible for reimbursement of an electronically controlled prosthetic knee (MCK), but that does not have to be the end of the story. Sometimes additional training is enough to still qualify, or an alternative such as an advanced mechanical knee is better suited for you. Our specialists think solution-oriented and are happy to help you with realistic, achievable options.

If you were not immediately eligible for reimbursement of an MCK prosthesis via the RIZIV (in Belgium) or health insurance (in the Netherlands), there are still some options to find support. Understandably, a rejection can be a disappointment, but there are sometimes alternatives and steps you can consider. An expert from the Amputee Care Center will be happy to discuss the various options with you.

At the Amputee Care Center, we examine whether a new test route or alternative funding makes sense:

• If the first application was rejected due to insufficient functional benefit, a new test or additional rehabilitation (additional exercise) may make all the difference.
• We will help you re-draft the file, possibly with additional substantiation (e.g. video, gait image analysis, falls, etc.).
• There are also alternative possible funding channels: 
  - VAPH (Flemish Agency for Persons with Disabilities): there may be support in certain cases (e.g. work resumption or additional mobility aids).
  - Funds or foundations such as the Assistance Fund for Persons with Disabilities, Gofundme campaigns or local initiatives.  
  - Insurance: If your amputation was the result of an accident (work, traffic, private), you may be able to obtain compensation through insurance or a compensation claim.

Schedule a second opinion consultation at the Amputee Care Center and find out about any new options.

An MCK gives you:

• More safety, especially in tripping hazards or unexpected situations
• A smoother, more natural gait pattern
• Less fatigue while walking
• More confidence in your movements
• The ability to take stairs and slopes better

You can experience this difference for yourself during a free gait analysis at Amputee Care Center.

On average, the process from the initial screening to the placement of your final MCK prosthetic knee takes a few weeks to a few months, but on average 6 to 16 weeks.  The duration from application to delivery of your new prosthesis depends on the test results, administrative approval and delivery deadlines. We coordinate the entire process for you. You focus on your progress, we take care of the rest.

The Amputee Care Center (ACC) has extensive experience in requesting and fitting an electronic prosthetic knee in femoral prostheses. Before you get a definitive MCK knee, you go through a number of steps. Here you can see what to expect at the Amputee Care Center:

Step 1: Intake & trial

Time: 1 to 4 weeks

• You will be evaluated by a rehabilitation doctor and the ACC's prosthetist
• You will temporarily test an MCK in a test prosthesis (test socket).
  It is assessed whether the knee provides functional benefit (e.g. more stable walking, less risk of falling, smoother mobility).
• This is done at:
  - Rehabilitation centres (such as Rehabilitation Centre Geel, Valida Brussels, Adelante)
  - Prosthetics experts such as the Amputee Care Center (BeNeLux)

Step 2: Application for reimbursement

Time: ± 1 week (submission)

• Your prosthetist at the ACC and your doctor will draw up a file for the RIZIV (Belgium) or your health insurer (the Netherlands).
• The file contains:
  - Medical motivation
  - Results of gait and balance tests
  - Comparison with your current prosthetic knee
  - Quotation of the proposed MCK knee

Step 3: Assessment by RIZIV/health insurer

Time: 4 to 8 weeks on average

• The prosthetist at the ACC gives you personal guidance.
• An advisory doctor assesses your file.
• If things are unclear, additional info or a re-examination may be requested.
• If approved, you will be given the green light for the final prosthesis.
• In case of refusal, you can appeal or we can rework the file.

Step 4: Measurement & fabrication of the definitive prosthesis

Time: 2 to 4 weeks

• Your prosthetic socket will be adjusted or customised.
• The chosen components (knee, foot, adapters) are ordered.
• You will attend fitting sessions to have everything adjusted properly.

Step 5: Delivery & training

Time: 1 to 2 weeks

• You will receive the finished leg prosthesis.
• Under the guidance of your prosthetist and physiotherapist, you learn to use the MCK knee:
  - Climbing stairs, slopes, obstacles
  - Stopping, emergency stops, energy-saving steps
• Any adjustments are made at this stage.

Training is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. During an outpatient rehabilitation programme, you will learn how to get the most out of your MCK. Under the guidance of therapists and rehabilitation doctors, you will practise stability, energy conservation and safety. At Amputee Care Center, we collaborate with recognised rehabilitation centres and fully tailor the training to your level.

Yes, MCKs are designed for an active life. Think walking, cycling or even light sports. Which activities are possible depends on the type of MCK and your activity level. During the testing phase, we look together at what is realistic and safe. We help you choose a prosthetic knee that really suits your lifestyle.

If you notice that your MCK prosthesis is no longer working as it should, it is important to first observe carefully what exactly is going wrong. Does the problem occur while walking, standing still or taking stairs, for example? Is it something that occurred suddenly, or did you notice change gradually? Pay attention to things like a slower response, a blocking knee or a faster battery drain. Sometimes the problem lies in small things, such as an incompletely charged battery or a dirty sensor. Try checking these simple things yourself before consulting your prosthetist.

In case of persistent or unclear problems, contact your prosthetist at the Amputee Care Center as soon as possible. They can read your knee via special software, check the settings or, if necessary, readjust the prosthesis. Often technical defects can be solved quickly, especially if you describe the problem well. Make a note of when the problem occurs and what you have already tried. If your prosthesis feels unstable or unsafe, prefer not to continue using it until your prosthetist or technician has checked it. Safety always comes first, especially with microprocessor-controlled knees.

A Microprocessor Controlled Knee (MCK) prosthesis usually comes with a warranty of 2 to 3 years, depending on the manufacturer and model. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and mechanical failures under normal use. Conditions such as regular maintenance by a certified prosthetist, such as at the Amputee Care Center, and proper use are often required to claim the warranty. Damage due to improper use or modifications by third parties is usually not covered. Some manufacturers also offer extended warranties or service contracts.