Kansas man shows off advanced foot prosthesis

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 68-year-old Kansas man who lost his lower left leg to diabetes has a new generation microprocessor-controlled foot — the first of its kind in Kansas.

Ignacio Guerroro demonstrated his new foot Thursday at Topeka's Hanger Clinic, where he was outfitted with the device. The computer-controlled foot, called an elan, is attached to a metal "calf" with an electronic suction device at the knee. It adjusts to angles and movement as Guerroro walks, improving his mobility on uneven terrain like stairs.

Hanger says while other microprocessor-controlled feet are in use in Kansas but the elan is the most current variety. It costs between $15,000 and $20,000.

The Amputee Coalition, a national group that advocates for people who have lost limbs, says there are about 2 million amputees in the U.S.