News Release

Ossur captures Frost & Sullivan Technology of the Year Award for breakthrough RHEO KNEE™

Grant and Award Announcement

Ossur

A commitment to R&D has underlined Ossur's technological leadership in the prosthetics and orthotic solutions market, with the company allocating an average of 8% of its annual revenue to R&D. With the RHEO KNEE, Ossur has launched the first artificially intelligent knee system having the ability to learn and adapt to its user's movements in real-time, resulting in a continually improved and optimised performance.

"Based on over three years of intensive R&D, the RHEO KNEE is the first in a new generation of microprocessor-controlled, swing & stance knee systems that incorporate artificial intelligence, giving the system the ability to learn how the user walks and eventually pre-empt each step," explains Ms. Claire Staniforth, Research Analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "This breakthrough in technology will lead the way for the next generation of prosthetics, focused on precisely copying the bio-mechanical motion of human joints and limbs."

The angle of and load borne through the artificial knee joint are monitored at a rate of 1,000 times per second using electronic sensors. Changes in value are accompanied by related alterations in the viscosity of the magnetorheological (MR) fluid within the knee. A computer chip creates and regulates the intensity of the magnetic field, causing changes in MR fluid viscosity about the joint that facilitates optimal motion control.

A dynamic learning matrix algorithm (DLMA) enables the RHEO KNEE in rapidly adjusting the swing and stance resistance as it effectively learns the movements of the user. The DLMA optimises levels of resistance during the swing phase allowing the user to walk comfortably and safely at a range of speeds.

The crucial drawback with traditional hydraulic knee control joints has been the build up of drag within the system. However, the MR fluid used in the RHEO KNEE significantly reduces this drag – thereby conserving the energy levels of the amputee enabling longer periods of joint use.

Ossur has patented the MR technology. Therefore, any changes in industry standards to follow suit could take time. Meanwhile, the company is considering using the new technology within other product lines.

"With the correct level of information and education provided to practitioners relating to the technology behind and the benefits of the RHEO KNEE, it could become the market leader in microprocessor-controlled, swing & stance knee systems," concludes Ms. Staniforth. "The technological advances made by Ossur with the RHEO KNEE will enable transfemoral amputees to free themselves from many of the current limitations they face."

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About Ossur
Ossur (Icelandic Stock Exchange: OSSR) is a trusted and global leader in the development, manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing of high technology orthotic and prosthetic devices. With its head office in Reykjavik, Iceland, the company's U.S. sales and marketing headquarters are located in Aliso Viejo, California; the Canadian office in Vancouver, BC; the Nordic office in Uppsala, Sweden; and the European office in Eindhoven, Holland. The company has a considerable distribution network in other markets and has over 900 employees worldwide. Given its mission to offer people a life without limitations, Ossur allocates an industry record of approximately eight percent of its revenue on medical technology research and development, and provides extensive education programs through the Ossur Academy. The company also sponsors a variety of community outreach programs and non-profit organizations. Website: www.ossur.com.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com.

Media Contact: Katja Feick
Corporate Communications
Frost & Sullivan
Clemensstr. 9
60487 Frankfurt/Main
Germany
Phone: +49 69 77033-12
Fax: +49 69 234566
E-Mail: katja.feick@frost.com

Ossur Public Relations
Beverly Millson
Missing Sock Public Relations
Office: (310) 399-7599
beverly@missingsock.com


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