DECATUR - The latest bionic technology has Robert Knight back on his feet.

The Decatur amputee is learning to operate a bionic power knee and the world's first intelligent foot module.

Romel Bhanti, a board certified prosthetist, did the fitting. Knight is a rehabilitation patient in St. Mary's Hospital.

In April 2008, a blood clot in his left leg forced the amputation of his foot. The problem continued, forcing amputation of the leg below the knee May 6.

The problem didn't end. In August, another amputation was performed, this one above the knee. The surgery was by Dr. Jeffrey Trachtenberg.

Enter Bhanti.

"Give me the motivation, and I'll do it," Bhanti said. "He wants to walk again. It's his goal, my ideas."

The Power Knee, a trademark of manufacturer Ossur, was the choice. A computer inside the prosthesis synchronizes motion with that of the sound leg. The computer replaces muscle activity to bend and straighten the knee. The Power Knee can lift the user when standing from a seated position, support the user while climbing inclines and power the person up stairs. The Power Knee also lifts the heel off the ground, preventing stumbling and improving user safety.

Bhanti has decorated the knee prosthesis with laminated University of Illinois sports signs taken from a T-shirt. He previously fitted the late Larry Wetherholt with a leg prosthesis, which Wetherholt decorated with paintings.

The foot prosthesis thinks for itself, responding to changing terrain and transforming the approach to stairs and slopes, as well as level ground walking. It also helps the amputee to sit and stand up easily and more naturally. It's as close as you can get to the human foot.

"He's improving every day," Bhanrti said as Knight walked on a treadmill. "Usually, it takes months to get accustomed to such a phenomenal situation."

"I'm a truck driver for Carry Transit, 18 years, hauling corn syrup," said Knight, 48. "My trouble was too much sitting, I guess."

Thanks to Bhanti and the amazing new technology, Knight will be able to avoid a wheelchair existence.

Bhanti, previously based in Peoria, is opening a Decatur office. He can be reached at romel@cpousa.com.

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