Model note · Prosthetic Limbs
Blatchford Orion3 microprocessor knee
Orion3 is Blatchford's microprocessor knee for activity level 2 to 4 walkers. It combines a hydraulic cylinder for stance control with a pneumatic swing, so flexion resistance and extension bias can be tuned to cadence, stairs and sitting. The current version is rated IP55 with drainage holes and charges through a magnetic connector. Set up is through a Bluetooth app, with button programming as a fallback.
The model
Maker, model and type.
- Maker
- Blatchford Products Ltd.
- Model
- Orion3 microprocessor knee (IP55 version)
- Device type
- Prosthetic Limbs
- Main document
- Open the public document
Key specifications
What the public record says.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Control unit | Microprocessor hydraulic and pneumatic hybrid cylinder | Source |
| Maximum user weight | 125 kg; 100 kg for activity level 4 | Source |
| Unit weight and build height | 1.5 kg; 250 mm | Source |
| Ingress protection | IP55; water jet test from 6.3 mm nozzle at 3 m, 12.5 L/min, 30 kPa, up to 3 minutes | Source |
| Battery | Internal Li-ion pack, not field replaceable; up to 3 days of normal use | Source |
| Charging | Up to 8 hours for a full charge; 10 to 40 C indoors; charger 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz | Source |
| Operating temperature | -10 to 50 C | Source |
| Flexion lock | User mode with maximum lock angle 45 degrees from full extension | Source |
| Construction | Carbon composite shin, aluminium alloy chassis, stainless steel pyramid | Source |
| Warranty and service | 36 months; extended warranties need a service at 30 to 36 months, and at 54 to 60 months for the longest | Source |
Recalls
Known FDA recalls.
- BfArM 11743/162017-01-18
Field safety corrective action: recall of Orion3 microprocessor knee; the reason is in the linked field notice and is not summarised on the BfArM page.
FDA record
Safety
Safety warnings from the record.
- Li-ion batteries can overheat or ignite if the charging and safety rules are ignored. Source
- Never connect the charger while the limb is worn; no power reaches the control system during charging. Source
- Cycling mode removes all stance resistance, so it must be switched off before walking. Source
- Keep the magnetic charging parts at least 10 cm from pacemakers and other magnet sensitive items. Source
- Not for running, extreme sports, swimming or walking in water. Source
Sources
Where this note comes from.
- Blatchford Orion3 User Guide 938375BPK1 issue B
- Blatchford Orion3 datasheet (US)
- BfArM field safety notice listing, Orion3, 2017
- Blatchford technical documentation index
Not covered: The Orion3 clinician manual on Blatchford's site is password protected and was not opened, so setup parameters, calibration and any clinician fault codes are missing; error entries come from the user guide indicator tables. No FDA recall or MAUDE data was found for Orion3. The reason for the 2017 BfArM recall was not available on the summary page.
BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.
Prosthetic Limbs