Ysidro Martinez - Knee Implant Prosthesis

Ysidro M. Martinez' invention of a below-the-knee prosthesis avoids some of the problems associated with conventional artificial limbs. Martinez, an amputee himself, took a theoretical approach in his design. He does not attempt to replicate the natural limb with articulated joints in the ankle or foot which is seen by Martinez as causing poor gait. His prosthesis has a high center of mass and is light in weight to facilitate acceleration and deceleration and reduce friction. The foot is considerably shorter to control acceleration forces, reducing the friction and pressure.