Dancin' to the Otto Bock Rock

Originally Published MDDI March 2002

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Dancin' to the Otto Bock Rock

Hundreds of Elvis impersonators mimic the late King's suggestive pelvic thrust and wear the now-iconic blue suede shoes. In Massachusetts, however, there lives one particular Elvis tribute artist whose hip-swivel is hard-won and whose left blue suede shoe attaches to a prosthetic leg.

Ray Guillemette is an internationally acclaimed Elvis impersonator. He's got the trademark cleft chin, the slick sideburns, and a state-of-the-art C-leg prosthesis developed by Otto Bock Orthopedic Industry Inc.

Guillemette lost his leg just above the kneecap last year as a result of a motorcycle accident. His prosthesis, a microprocessor-controlled hydraulic knee with swing- and stance-phase control, is one of the most advanced lower-limb prostheses on the market. Sensors in the pylon read and then adapt to Guillemette's every move by taking measurements 50 times per second. This technology facilitates a natural step-over-step gait, negotiation of uneven terrain, and other complex movements.

Since being fitted with the C-leg, Guillemette has been billed as the world's "only bionic Elvis impersonator"—a clear distinction in a field marked by look-alikes. At press time, he was scheduled to shake his King thing at the Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics trade show in Reno, NV.

Copyright ©2002 Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry