Marlon Bounds feels like a superhero.
Bounds is one of two Veterans at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and a handful of recipients in the nation to receive a new type of prosthetic leg.
The leg features a motor-powered microprocessor prosthetic knee that uses artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology.
The prosthetic knee uses artificial intelligence to detect human movement patterns.
“The new leg feels almost human,” Bounds said about his new, next-generation POWER KNEE by Össur, an international company that developed the prosthetic. “When the VA prosthetic team told me about this prosthetic leg and what it does, I thought I’ll have my leg back and at full function.”
According to Össur, the POWER KNEE is the world’s first motor-powered microprocessor prosthetic knee. The prosthetic uses artificial intelligence to detect and aid human movement patterns such as speed and cadence when walking, kneeling, standing and sitting.
“Makes me look like a superhero.”
Bounds suffered a left leg injury during his 14-year Army career that required doctors to amputate the leg in 2016 after an infection. He has used a prosthetic leg ever since and says the new prosthetic feels different and better.
“This prosthetic knee, so far, is top-notch,” he said. “I can power through obstacles. It can lift me up. It helps me go downstairs. Now, I can cut my grass a little bit better. I can do things better now than I did before, and it makes me look like a superhero.”
George Lara, with Össur, explains the prosthetic is in early market acceptance.
“Came back to VA because care here is top notch.”
“The Nashville and Boston VA are the only VA sites to receive the POWER KNEE,” said Lara. “It means a lot to help Veterans. VA understands patient outcomes and they understand the need to develop technology in order to improve patient outcomes. At the end of the day, the folks who benefit from this are VA patients.”
“I did see an outside provider but I came back to VA because the care here with Paul, Mike, and Tennessee Valley prosthetics is top-notch,” Bounds added.
Hannah McDuffie is a public affairs specialist for the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.
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Loved this vertical on the New Prosthetic Leg is wonderful. Also, will the VA provide us with COVID 19 Cards that are more permanent than our paper verification?
My VA has found ways around any significant service/help for me and my service related injuries for the 12 years since I signed on board.
Lots of Ibuprofen and a decent percentage rating looks like all I can do for severe multiple spinal injuries from combat vehicle roll over. Cheers to all Vets who have been more successful.
I agree the VA is a god sent for veterans. I am not sure what we veterans would do with out the VA. I have being a above knee amputate since 1979 and have tried many different knees. But the power knee seems like the knee for the future for veterans to enhance the quality of life.
Wow! It’s so great to see our Veterans getting the help they deserve. The technology used in the prosthetic leg is so advanced and cutting edge. Thank you for sharing this story – it warms the heart! :)
Fantastic!
Nice to have a good foundation to work with, an adequate, surgically-removed remnant of his leg to fit a state-of-art prosthetic…
AWESOME!!!!!
I’m 83 years old and feel so blessed to be receiving care from my VA here in Texas. I can say with no exceptions that the VA medical care has improved over the 32 years since I was approved for care. They implemented a Women’s Medical care program and established several local clinics staffed with internists and nurses. The medical care I have received has equaled and often surpassed the care I received when I was on active duty. When they didn’t have the personnel or equipment needed to evaluate or treat me, the contracted it out to the community. i.e. mammogram. I’m functioning at a level higher than many of my civilian friends and I give credit to my proactive medical program at the Veterans Health Center. Each time I receive care, I always thank the caregivers.
The marvel of innovation is phenomenal, that this newfound technology is available to veterans through the VA lends credence to the work that the system is providing for those who have served their country. IMPRESSIVE indeed…
Way to go VA, way to go Vet. Bounds!
Everybody should have healthcare like the VA provides. The doctors and clinicians are proud to serve us. Like our fire departments, police departments etc., this kind of care is basically Socialistic in nature and proves that a little Socialism in our country can be a benefit to everyone involved. No money grubbing insurance companies between us and our healthcare to deal with it. I love it, thank you VA, you done good!
Sincerely,
Tom (Vietnam Vet)
I agree 1000%. When I see a VA doctor, I am taken care of. The doctor takes the time necessary to answer my questions. They’re concern is my health, and they show it. Hands down, they have given me the best care I have ever gotten.
It is totally different from commercial medicine, where the dollar is the important one and the physician’s assistant (or doctor if you’re really lucky) only has 6 minutes before they need to be with the next patient.
One other thing I have noticed is the difference in egos. Almost every commercial doctor I have seen takes an “How dare you question me” attitude when you disagree with their diagnosis or treatment. As if your questions are a personal attack on them. With my VA doctors, the questions or disagreements lead to productive discussions where I learn something.
I am very thankful for the VA and wish everyone could get the level of care I get. And with no insurance company taking a chunk, it costs so much less to keep me healthy instead of commercial medicine only treating me when I’m sick.
Shout out to Vinita & Muskogee OK VA staff!
Great NEWS FOR VET’S
Marlon Bounds you ARE a superhero! I’m thrilled that technology is employed here to improve your life. Congrats!
I’m truly grateful for the VA and so happy a soldier gets well deserved help.
Why can’t I get News email from Atlanta VA instead of Asheville. I moved a Year ago and transferred to Georgia Department VA????
I want news from Hospital I deal with not Asheville.
Awesome!