Part 1
When our founder Christoffer Lindhe lost both legs and one arm in a train accident as a teenager, his life changed forever. Determined to regain his independence, he dedicated himself to years of intense training – eventually competing in two Paralympic Games.
Even with the best prosthetic components and osseointegration surgery, Christoffer found that walking outdoors with two above-knee prostheses was still extremely challenging. He needed something better – a foot that could adapt naturally to uneven ground, without having to constantly think about balance or placement.
The first idea was to build a mechanical ankle joint that mimicked the movement of a human foot. It worked well in the lab, but when Christoffer tested it himself, the result felt stiff and unnatural. Twisting the joint to create flexibility couldn’t reproduce the smooth, effortless motion of a real foot. It was clear that a new approach was needed.
Working together with prosthetists and several universities, Christoffer began exploring advanced materials. Research showed that fiberglass could bend up to three times more than carbon fiber without breaking, while carbon fiber provided better energy return. By combining both – carbon fiber in the sole for energy and fiberglass in the upper layers for flexibility – the team created a design that offered the best of both worlds.
This innovation became the foundation of the Xtend Foot – today known as the world’s most mobile prosthetic foot for side-to-side movement (inversion and eversion). Instead of relying on mechanical joints, the Xtend Foot uses flexible laminates that bend naturally and provide progressive resistance – the more they flex, the more it wants to sprint back. This allows users to walk confidently on uneven outdoor terrain, with motion that is smooth, balanced and creates a natural feeling.
When Christoffer approached major prosthetic manufacturers to bring his design to market, the response was lukewarm. Many believed existing products were already good enough. But Christoffer knew otherwise. Rather than giving up, Christoffer chose to start his own company – Lindhe Xtend.
He believed that true innovation requires competition. When only a few players dominate the market, progress will stagnate. By creating Lindhe Xtend, Christoffer made sure that the drive to improve prosthetic solutions would continue—helping himself and many other amputees around the world gain better mobility, stability, and quality of life.
So, how did it all evolve? Stay tuned for Part 2 in our next issue.
