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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 104 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 £6.95
3D printed hands in the running for £50,000 first prize By Dominic Musgrave TEN designers, developers and entrepreneurs have been named finalists in the inclusive technology prize – a competition intended to help unearth new products, technologies and systems for the 12.2 million people living with a long term illness or disability in the UK. The Inclusive Technology Prize is designed to champion the issue of assistive technology and encourage co-creation with disabled people. More than 200 ideas were entered,with the judging panel whittling this down to just 25 semi-finalists in March. They each received £2,000 in addition to support from Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Enterprise and Innovation Team to develop their ideas. The 10 finalists will now each receive £10,000 as well as tailored support to develop a prototype, conduct user testing and create viable business plans. A winner will be selected from the finalists in March 2016 and awarded £50,000 to help bring their product to market. Finalists for the prize include: HandyClix from National Star: Wheelchair lap belts require two hands to connect them but many users are impaired in the use of their hands. HandyClix is a one
handed lap belt designed to allow the user to attach and tighten it themselves. How do I? from Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre: Uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to teach independent living skills to those with learning difficulties. Affordable Hands by Open Bionics: 3D printing of bionic hands that will be sold to amputees for £1,000 directly and helping to promote independence, including, picking up forks, getting dressed, or going to the bathroom. Constance Agyeman, programme manager at Nesta, and on behalf of the Prize, said: “We’re looking forward to working with the finalists to hone their inventions and help bring them one step closer to market. “Each of the innovative solutions helps to bridge the gap for the millions of people in the UK that struggle with everyday tasks and hope they inspire others to bring their digital and technological skills to bear for this audience.” The Inclusive Technology Prize is run by Nesta in partnership with Leonard Cheshire Disability and with support from the Department for Work and Pensions, Innovate UK, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and Irwin Mitchell.
A woman whose husband and daughter were killed in a speedboat accident has been named as the official ambassador of a new 10k run in London. Victoria Milligan lost her left leg in the incident in May 2013 which took the lives of her husband Nick and daughter Emily, and now wears a prosthetic. She will be one of thousands taking part in Vitality WestRun London on October 4 which starts on the New Kings Road and finishes on Eel Brook Common, taking a picturesque route around the streets of Fulham on fully closed roads. Victoria said: “I have never run 10k before, but I am determined to cross the finish line regardless of whether I run, jog or walk, all in aid of Child Bereavement UK. If I can do it, really, anyone can.”
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Touch Bionics unveils i-limb quantum at ISPO Congress TOUCH Bionics has unveiled a significant addition to the company’s i-limb range of bionic hands at the International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress in Lyon, France. The i-limb quantum incorporates the company’s patented i-mo™ technology and is the first upper limb prosthesis that can change grips with a simple gesture.
Sales
“The new extra small size will appeal in particular to female users and children.”
“It is smarter, faster, stronger and smaller than any of its predecessors. i-limb wearers can quickly utilise the many grips available through the activation of gesture control using imo technology embedded in every ilimb quantum.”
Stronger – up to 30 per cent more power when needed.
Carole Rice
Product Manager
Email: cr@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478 Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk
Smarter – i-mo technology uses simple gestures to change grips.
Circulation circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk 24 hour hotline: 01226 734695
Faster – boost digit speed by up to 30 per cent.
Design/Production Stewart Holt Studio Manager Email: sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Scott Firth Graphic Designer Email: sf@scriptmedia.co.uk
Smaller – anatomical styling now available in three sizes. Touch Bionics founder David Gow, the inventor of the i-Limb prosthetic hand, was also recently presented with a CBE.
Group Editor
Dominic Musgrave Group Production Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Olivia Taylor Reporter Email: ot@scriptmedia.co.uk
“I particularly appreciate the ability to almost effortlessly choose different grips using subtle but distinct gestures.
i-limb quantum – key enhancements:
“The i-limb quantum is the most
Editorial Judith Halkerston Email: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk
advanced prosthesis available for individuals affected by limb differences,” said Rebekah Marine, ilimb wearer.
“We were pleased to introduce the ilimb quantum at the ISPO Congress,” said Ian Stevens, CEO of Touch Bionics. “The new hand combines unsurpassed functionality with design style.
Contacts
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Rebekah Marine with the new i-limb quantum.
At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk
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Reducing waste in the NHS: Getting patients on the right pathway to the right person By Simon Dickinson
can actually treat their problem.
not be quantified or understated.
I AM incredibly proud to be assisting BAPO in a national education programme entitled ‘Assessment Diagnosis and Treatment of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Foot and Ankle Problems for Orthotists’.
Recently a rather cheery neighbour of mine was looking rather forlorn for a change. After enquiring if he was ok he explained why in his words his world had “fallen apart because of the bloody NHS!”
NHS Scotland has a clear strategy on how to tackle this problem. Interestingly their motivation is to reduce waiting times, improve patient experience and reduce the pressure on orthopaedics.
The driving force that led to the education programme being created was due to NHS Scotland’s plan to have all patients with MSK problems assessed within four weeks by March 31, 2016.
He proceeded to explain that seven months ago he woke up one morning with pain under his heel. Over a couple of weeks the pain intensified and began to affect his ability to stand and work so he went to his GP.
Their “MSK & Orthopaedic Quality Drive” is focused on ensuring patients with MSK conditions get rapid access to self-help and AHP services.
MSK consultations can take up to 2030 per cent of GP consultations, and NHS Scotland states that MSK conditions are responsible for 10 million lost work days annually. They also state 22 per cent of people on incapacity benefit are suffering from MSK conditions preventing them from being able to work. MSK conditions have a huge impact on individuals and also have a wider socio-economic impact. Unfortunately throughout the UK there are significant differences in the ways patients suffering NHS conditions can access treatment and often there is significant duplication between the GP, orthopaedic and rheumatology clinics and AHP services. All too often patients seem to bounce from one medical professional to another until they are fortunate enough to find themselves in front of a skilled professional who
Over the next months he saw his GP three times, was referred to see an orthopaedic surgeon and waited eight weeks to see him. He had three physiotherapy appointments and ultimately was referred to an orthotist in Derby who provided him an insole three weeks ago that relieved his pain almost immediately. Three weeks before he received his orthosis his employer dismissed him from work under their sickness policy as he was unable to stand all day at work! In his words “Why didn’t my GP just send me to orthotics at Derby? The young lady who treated me fixed me immediately? Instead I have been treated like a ping-pong ball being batted from one place to another”. For one of the few times in my life I didn’t have a decent reply, other than
Simon Dickinson
“that shouldn’t have happened”. What I am certain of is that my neighbour could have been treated effectively and quickly and would therefore still have a job! My neighbour’s story is not uncommon in describing the journey many patients go through in today’s NHS. They attend numerous appointments until eventually they see someone who can actually provide them with appropriate treatment the need to get on with their lives. The financial cost of patients playing ping-pong is unknown to the NHS but I am certain it wastes millions of pounds every year. The impact of patients can also
They are collaboratively planning how this will look based on the latest clinical evidence and all AHP groups are working collaboratively to achieve this fantastic and necessary goal. More information can be found at http://www.qihub.scot.nhs.uk/qualityand-efficiency/msk-and-orthopaedicsquality-drive.aspx I firmly believe that AHP’s should be leading all MSK services, as coordinated team’s, ensuring patients see the most appropriate AHP within that team. Patients can then be easily referred onto orthopaedic colleagues, if necessary, which would reduce their workloads and surgical wait times. This would provide significant savings to the NHS, have a positive socioeconomic impact and therefore significantly reduce waste. Simon Dickinson is a clinical director at TalarMade.
Prosthetic leg tops list of strangest items left at hotel A PROSTHETIC leg is the strangest thing that has been left in a hotel, its owners have revealed. The list was revealed by Conference Aston, a conference, hotel and event venue in Birmingham. Marketing manager Paul Bunce said: “Typically guests might leave behind phone chargers, socks or toothbrushes.
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“We sometimes find individual shoes in hotel rooms, so we must have had some guests hop out of the hotel. “However there are some items of lost property that guests don’t come back for, and we think we know why. “We’ve had everything from fake blood to artificial limbs left in our rooms, and while we try our hardest
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
to return all lost property to its rightful owner, we decided it was about time to have a rummage through our treasure chest and see what hasn’t yet been claimed.” Conference Aston’s top 10 bizarre lost property items
One litre of fake blood. Garden fork and spade gift set. Wedding dress. Crash helmet. Adult spiderman pyjamas.
Prosthetic leg.
Inflatable elephant.
£5,000 cash.
A pair of toupees in different colours.
Taxidermy owl.
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Hospital physio Matthew to play part in £1m study A PHYSIOTHERAPIST at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals has been selected to take part in a groundbreaking study exploring how philosophy can be used to unearth the causes of complex, medically unexplained symptoms. Matthew Low, lead clinician musculoskeletal physiotherapist, is one of a 27-strong research team made up of physiotherapists, health scientists and philosophers which has been awarded a £1m grant by the Research Council of Norway. The team’s four-year study has been inspired by people with complex medical conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, lower back pain and fibromyalgia (widespread pain and painful responses to pressure) that have medically unexplained symptoms. It is the largest project of its kind in both healthcare and philosophy and demonstrates a groundbreaking collaboration between the sciences and humanities. Matthew, who has worked at the Trust for 12 years, said: “Medically unexplained means that we are unable to find a common set of
Matthew Low
causes or obvious classifications for these conditions. These are widespread and some are estimated to account for between 25-50 per cent of symptoms reported to doctors in primary care. “Each patient presents a unique combination of symptoms and a unique expression of their condition, and this project could lead to research methods that focus more on the complexity of real-life clinical decision making rather than claiming to know the causes in a trial, giving us a more reliable outcome.” The team is called ‘CauseHealth’ and has its first meeting in October to discuss the philosophical foundations of causation and the impact that it has on evidence based practice, research methodology and clinical practice.
Sian Green lost part of her leg in a horrific incident in New York.
Sian launches charity to support amputees A DE Montfort University student is set to launch her own charity two years after losing part of her leg in a horrific incident in New York. While eating hot dogs in Manhattan with a friend during a trip to New York City in August 2013, Sian Green’s life was changed forever as an out of control taxi mounted the pavement and trapped her left leg. Her leg could not be saved and doctors amputated it below the knee. Amazingly, Sian made it back to Leicester within two months to resume her studies on the Fashion Buying course, and now she is set to graduate with a 2:1 later this month.
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On top of managing to complete her studies at DMU, Sian is in the process of setting up her own charity, the Sian Green Foundation, to help other people like herself. The Sian Green Foundation, which Sian hopes will be ready to launch by the autumn, will provide care and support for amputees who require specialist prosthetic limbs, some of which can cost more than £10,000. She says the biggest difference since her accident has been to her view on life.
She said: “I flew back to the UK after about six weeks in hospital, and within a week of that I was back at university.
“It’s changed my whole outlook on life,” added Sian. “Things like your hair being out of place on a particular day or whatever, they mean absolutely nothing compared to some of the things other people go through. I think that’s the lesson I’ve learned.”
“I had an awful lot of support; the university was fantastic they just did everything for me. It wasn’t hard coming back at all.
That said, Sian is excited about a new prosthetic foot she’s waiting to receive – one which will allow her to start wearing high heels again.
“Obviously my second year was really stressful – I barely even remember handing work in – so I’m really pleased. I really didn’t think I’d do that well.”
She added: “It’s nearly been two years now that I haven’t worn a heel. Hopefully in a few weeks I’ll have one (the new prosthetic foot) which I really can’t wait for!”
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Bombings survivor visits staff who cared for her A SURVIVOR of the July 7 London bombings has returned to St Thomas’ Hospital to visit the staff who cared for her 10 years ago.
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Gill Hicks had both her legs amputated after being severely injured on 7/7. Over the course of three months she learned to walk again using prosthetic limbs. Accompanied by her two-year-old daughter Amelie, Gill met Dame Eileen Sills, chief nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’, who was one of the first people Gill saw when she regained consciousness. She then visited Luke Ward where she had spent months recovering. Gill was overjoyed to find physiotherapist Matthew Fuller, nurse Lucy Ford, and senior nursing assistant Fatima Eretusi, waiting for her in the ward. All three were instrumental to her care back in 2005. Gill said: “St Thomas’ is the final place where my life was saved on 7/7. The decisions made by the health professionals here determined my future. I wasn’t expected to survive when I was brought in, but three months later I walked out and started my second life.
Gill Hicks and her daughter Amelie with the St Thomas’ Hospital staff who cared for her.
“The staff who cared for me are gorgeous, wonderful people and I’ll always be grateful for what they did.” Dame Eileen Sills added: “We were thrilled to welcome Gill back to St Thomas' so that she could catch up with the staff who worked with her in 2005. 7/7 was a terrible day that none of us will ever forget. To see a patient like Gill 10 years later, with all her optimism and enthusiasm for life after everything she’s been through, is absolutely inspirational." Following her recovery, Gill
established the charity MAD (Making a Difference) for Peace and works through public engagement and education to encourage greater understanding and willingness to resolve conflict and division. Having moved back to her native Australia in 2013, Gill has been undertaking 10 challenges to mark 10 years since 7/7. She returned to London to complete a sponsored abseiling challenge fundraising for Guy’s and St Thomas’ and to participate in events marking the anniversary.
The Health and Care Professions Council has announced that Elaine Buckley, Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at Sheffield Hallam University, has been appointed as their new chair. Elaine Buckley, who will continue in her role at Sheffield Hallam part-time, officially took up her new post on July 1. She replaced Dr Anna van der Gaag CBE. Elaine provides academic leadership within the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, who are one of the largest providers of healthcare training in the UK. She said: “I am pleased to have been appointed chair of HCPC and will build on the legacy left by Anna van der Gaag. A key priority for me in particular will be to continue to build evidence based regulation processes and to promote the wider benefits of being a regulated professional.”
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Hospital uses iPads to help stroke sufferers improve their speech TECHNOLOGY is helping stroke patients in Lincolnshire to improve their speech and language skills. New iPads are now in use in stroke units at Lincoln, Boston Pilgrim and Grantham hospitals, supporting speech and language therapists with intensive therapy sessions for patients with swallowing and communication difficulties. The seven iPads have been paid for with thanks to a charitable donation of almost £3,000 from the Lincolnshire-based Bromhead Medical Charity.
Kelly Gallagher MBE and Charlotte Evans received a DUniv for distinction in sport.
University honours Winter Paralympics gold medal skiers QUEEN’S University, Belfast recently honoured two very special sportswomen for their outstanding talent and determination. Kelly Gallagher MBE was the first athlete from Northern Ireland to compete in the Winter Paralympics. A graduate in mathematics from the University of Bath, she won Britain’s first Winter Paralympic Gold for skiing during Sochi 2014. Born with the genetic condition oculocutaneous albinism, she is registered blind and on snow uses a sighted guide, Charlotte Evans. They were each awarded a DUniv for distinction in sport. Kelly lives in Bangor, Co Down and before she came to international sporting fame worked as a statistician with the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Just before she was selected for the British disabled Ski Team, Kelly began a part-time Master’s course in the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work at Queen’s, which is currently on hold.
She said: “I am delighted to be honoured in this way by Queen’s, which has a well-deserved reputation not only for academic excellence but for impacting on society and changing lives. That sense of empowering students to fulfill their dreams and ambitions is something about which I am passionate . It is very fitting that both Charlotte and I are awarded for our unique and individual roles in achieving our goals. I am really pleased that we are honoured together.” As the sighted guide for Kelly, Englishwoman Charlotte helped win the gold for skiing in the women’s Super-G in the 2014 Winter Paralympic Games. This joint achievement marked Britain's first Winter Paralympic Gold medal. A former English skiing champion in her own right, Charlotte became interested in coaching and working as a guide while going through rehab for an injury. She has spent the past four years as the sighted guide for Kelly.
Specialist lifts bought with donations DONATIONS in memory of Edward W. G. Thomas and Heinz Schmidtke has bought two Molifts for Epsom Hospital’s Stroke Unit and Medical Wards. The £840 Molift Raiser looks like an upright porter’s trolley, but will serve a useful purpose for physiotherapists 8
and patients alike on the medical and stroke wards at Epsom General Hospital. This equipment enables patients to stand up at an earlier stage in their rehab and reduces the large gap between an electric hoist and walking equipment.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Speech and language therapists from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust are part of the multi-disciplinary teams working alongside colleagues from United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust to assess, diagnose and treat patients immediately following a stroke. Angela Shimada, advanced speech and language therapist at LCHS, said: “Traditionally, we have used a range of therapy exercises, including drills and exercises with a pen and paper. However, this can be repetitive for patients who are now used to using technology in their day-to-day routines. “The advances in technology mean we can offer patients the use of the latest therapy apps, and the tablets offer extra motivation and incentive to stimulate patients. Each iPad offers
Cecil Hunter with Angela Shimada, advanced practitioner stroke specialist speech and language therapist at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.
the ability to record and playback sound and videos, and the opportunity for patients to continue therapy in between professionally-led sessions at their bedside.” “The iPads are already proving to be a popular and useful addition to therapy for both patients and staff, and on behalf of everyone in the stroke team I would like to say a special thank you to the Bromhead Medical Charity.” Steve Taylor, of the charity, added: "We are delighted to have supported stroke patients throughout Lincolnshire in this innovative way. It's part of nearly £4million we have granted to individuals and healthcare organisations in Lincolnshire since 2001.”
Firms join to launch first Fitting Centre in London BRACE Orthopaedic has unveiled its first specialist Fitting Centre in the UK for its innovative range of orthopaedic braces and supports in partnership with Sprint Physiotherapy, a boutique physiotherapy and sports injury clinic in Kensington, London. The collaboration with Sprint Physiotherapy starts with specialist fitting of the Jack PCL knee brace, a product that offers rehabilitative treatment for posterior cruciate ligament injuries. Clive Mitchell, managing director of Brace Orthopaedic, said: “Patient outcomes with this brace are excellent and now that it’s so widely known and trusted by orthopaedic knee surgeons and leading sports physiotherapists, demand is reaching ever higher levels.” With ever increasing demand from knee surgeons for the Jack PCL, Clive said it was vital to find a partner who could deliver a consistently
professional fitting service. Clive added: “I’m really pleased to have been able to find such an ideal partner – Sprint Physiotherapy shares our ethos for innovation and the highest standards of customer care. “Their team of highly qualified clinicians will help us deliver a local specialist fitting service and professional rehabilitation management that’s second to none.” The Sprint Physiotherapy Fitting Centre is Brace Orthopaedic’s first local specialist fitting service and the company has plans to offer more centres across the UK and Ireland. Anj Periyasamy, clinic director of Sprint Physiotherapy, said: “We’re very pleased to partner with Brace Orthopaedic – the company fits hand-in-hand with our mission of providing our patients with the best continued care after injury or surgery.”
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‘The aggregation of marginal gains’ Pace Rehabilitation is privileged to provide ongoing support to 10 athletes who have each earned the right to represent their countries within their chosen sports. These, in addition to many other prosthetic users at Pace who enjoy sport at varying levels, all rely on their prostheses for performance. However, the prosthesis itself is just one small piece of a much larger jigsaw puzzle. Primarily, the prosthetic socket needs to offer the highest levels of comfort, stability and control. Often the requirements from the socket of a sports specific design differ from one intended for more daily activities, or a lap of the supermarket. Setting up and aligning the prosthesis with high performance componentry requires expert involvement from experienced clinicians, working in conjunction with coaches and sports scientists. In addition, the prosthetist will consider a selection of interface materials and types of suspension. Working with an experienced physiotherapist, using their
collaborative understanding of movement patterns and anatomy, will influence the socket design, volume and shape, so as to cater for the correct muscle usage and requirements within the socket during sport performance. Temporary socket designs are often used to allow initial set up and alignment to be tested and challenged. Often as techniques improve, the alignment will need to be adjusted accordingly, thereby making the use temporary prosthetic socket designs and trials invaluable.
experienced manufacturing technicians to achieve the ideal balance between optimal strength and lightweight construction, to the point where every gram may count in competition.
Aside from the clinical expertise and sports science collaboration, there is no short cut or escape from the hard work, commitment and determination required by the user if success is to be achieved.
Careful shaping of devices is required, considering properties which are determined in wind tunnels and using aerodynamic simulation software, with the involvement of specialists in their fields.
The experience, knowledge and techniques developed from working with high performance amputees is applied to all prosthetic users attending Pace Rehabilitation, whose equally important goal is comfortable and safe day to day use.
It is common practice for Pace clinicians to work with the athlete and the prosthesis in their usual training and competition environment, whether that be on an athletics track, cycling velodrome or ski slope. Real time motion is often too quick for interpretation by the naked eye. Therefore, the use of slow motion video footage is regularly used to allow for analysis and fine tuning. Once the optimal design, comfort and alignment have been achieved, particular care must be taken by
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Meningitis patient embraces football fever with new legs NEWS
SOME die-hard football fans turn to tattoos to show their loyalties for their beloved clubs, but a patient at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital has gone one step further. Mike Chinchen, 46, had both of his legs amputated below the knees after contracting meningitis back in 2002. After years of rehabilitation and trialling a number of different prosthetic styles, he now boasts a set of state-of-the-art artificial legs which have been branded in the traditional team colours of Barclays Premier League newcomers AFC Bournemouth.
Promedics has promoted Carol Leech to the role of sales director. CEO David Baxendale said: “I am delighted to announce that Carol Leech is now sales director for the company. Carol has been a major factor in Promedics’ growth in the past few years, and this promotion comes in recognition for all her hard work. I am sure that Carol’s drive and knowledge will continue to help Promedics on to further successes in the coming years.”
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Prosthetist Caroline McNerney was responsible for designing the new legs. She said: “Nowadays we have the ability to personalise prosthetics with all sorts of designs, and both Mike and I came up with the idea to manufacture a pair themed around his beloved AFC Bournemouth. “The football club kindly donated us two shirts which we cut up into the shape of Mike’s new legs and laminated them using a special carbon resin. The result has been fantastic and we are all delighted
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Mike Chinchen with the Royal Bournemouth Hospital staff that cared for him.
with the outcome.” Mike has been an AFC Bournemouth fan ever since he can remember and is a season ticket holder at the Goldsands Stadium, attending home matches with his young son. He said: “I’m delighted with how the legs have turned out, and I’m looking forward to hearing the comments from my son when he sees them, and from fellow
supporters when I attend the next home game. “Caroline and her team at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital have been absolutely brilliant. They have supported me through what has been a really difficult few years and I wouldn’t be at this point without them. I’m proud to wear my new legs and, thanks to the team, I have some that stand out and make a bold statement.”
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2012 Team GB Paralympic sprinter (T35 classification) Sophia Warner.
Paralympian’s performance improved with DMO Sport’s custom-made orthoses DMO Sport is the new facet of DM Orthotics which applies itself to sports performance and rehabilitation. The brand’s products are an extension of the medical side of the business, applying its knowledge and technology to musculoskeletal injuries and posture management in order to help athletes recover from injury as well as improve technique and performance. The products are used by able-bodied and disabled athletes alike and have proven themselves as invaluable training aids to some of the world’s elite including; Premiership and Championship League football teams, Premiership and Championship rugby teams as well as members of the 2012 Team GB Olympic and Paralympic teams. Like DM Orthotics’ medical products, the orthoses are a custom fit, providing the athlete with a unique solution to individual needs. 2012 Team GB Paralympic sprinter (T35 classification) Sophia Warner, who has cerebral palsy, is one such athlete who benefitted from using their shorts. Having tried every form of rigid bracing she needed something that was comfortable and not restrictive. As a serious competitive athlete her coach knew there were great opportunities for technical changes and improvements ahead of the London 2012. Sophia said: “My primary problem has always been my leg position – they both roll inwards. In the past
this has caused injury to my ankles, instability when running quickly and it also makes it very difficult to generate explosive power. The other real inhibitor is that it reduces my knee lift – something which is essential to sprinting technique.” Sophia’s coach Jonas Taiwah was also impressed. He added: “Sophia’s main problem was that she was using muscles for stability instead of power down her left side which made her inefficient. The shorts changed this. This vastly increased the stability in her left leg, which in turn increased her stride length, improving her power output.” Sophia added: “The shorts played an integral part in my preparation for the 2012 Paralympic Games. They were re-tuning my neurological system and were brilliant as a training tool both on and off the track. My training became so much more effective. My posture was corrected and this doubled the level of my strength training making me more powerful. “My technical ability vastly improved and everything my coach was telling me to do, started to feel a lot more natural – I had a lot less to think about and that meant I could concentrate on technique which helped me to greatly improve my times. I still wear my shorts regularly both in and out of training.” For more details on the DMO Sport range and Sophia’s full story visit www.dmorthotics.com./sport ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
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PODIATRY
sponsors podiatry
Prevention winning battle over wound care, claims firm’s CEO THE CEO of a leading medical technology company has called for greater emphasis to be placed on the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers rather than wound care.
using foot orthotics.
sensitive feet.
Plantar Callus, a risk factor for ulceration, indicates abnormal foot pressures and occurs most frequently under the metatarsal heads.
Solesee – an easy-to-use mirror for people with high risk feet conditions.
Hugh Sheridan, CEO of ALG, was speaking after attending the seventh International Symposium on the Diabetic Foot in The Hague.
Michelle explained that NICE guidelines in the UK for Type 2 Diabetes foot problems, prevention and management highlighted the benefits of specially designed insoles as inserts to patients’ shoes or in combination with specially designed shoes to reduce abnormal foot pressures and foot ulcers.
Sheridan said: “For years, the wound care industry has dominated the subject of diabetic foot, but the feedback I received at the conference was that there was a desire for the agenda to move more towards preventative action. “ALG believes passionately that we should be considering the 380 million people affected by diabetes worldwide rather than the 12 per cent who have a foot ulcer. “For too long, the provision of consumable wound dressings has dominated the market as opposed to prevention methods which can drastically reduce the risk of ulcers occurring.” Michelle Weddell, head of education for ALG, gave a talk entitled “We don’t believe in ulcers”, stressing the importance of pre-ulcer offloading
Michelle said: “Diabetes affects more than 380 million people worldwide and by 2030 this figure will have risen to 550 million – 10 per cent of the world’s adult population. “In certain parts of the world there is no national guidance on diabetic foot and no real prevention. The focus instead is on wound care, but with the right podiatry care upon diagnosis of diabetes, these ulcers would not have been allowed to develop. This would lead to significant long-term healthcare savings. “At The Hague and also recently in the Middle East, I spoke about the
Non-contact digital thermometer – an early warning tool in the fight against neuropathic ulceration. Diaped Flux-200 – pocket-size Doppler to detect and evaluate blood flow for vascular assessment in diabetic foot.
Hugh Sheridan
importance of offloading and biomechanics. Proper offloading is critical to the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.” The seventh International Symposium on the Diabetic Foot – held once every four years – brought together more than 1,500 delegates from over 100 countries. Diaped, the global diabetic foot care brand owned by ALG, showcased a number of key products including: Diaped Duosoft Flow insoles designed for patients with diabetes and other conditions which result in
Diaped’s sister brand, Aortha, a specialist in orthotics and prosthetics, exhibited its 3D insole technology which can print a pair of insoles in an hour, has already attracted significant interest in the UK and North America. The breakthrough will allow custommade and more supportive insoles to be created six times faster than anything else on the market. Sheridan said: “The 3D printing market is moving quickly and the tremendous feedback we have had from customers demonstrates that we are creating something significant. “Aortha OrthaPrint and Aortha OrthaFlex will provide orthotists and podiatrists with the ability to print a pair of insoles in an hour.”
Wesley named Society president for next two years PROFESSOR Wesley Vernon OBE has become the president of the Society of Shoe Fitters for the next two years. Wesley qualified as a podiatrist in 1980 and his accolades include gaining a PhD for footwear related research in 2000 and becoming a qualified shoe fitter through the society in 2009.
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He said: “During my time in office I would like to see the society continue to support the needs of our traditional membership – the footwear retailers – while at the same time reaching out to more practising health professionals, to promote the benefits of their involvement with the society through education, testing, membership
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
and inter-organisational collaboration. “I would particularly like to see more cross fertilisation of knowledge – for example through society presence and presentation at podiatry conferences and perhaps even considering hosting similar conference events ourselves.
“However I strongly believe that any moves in this direction should not be at the expense of our traditional membership. “I would also like to see more footwear retailers investing in their staff to give the public the best possible fit and the benefit of educated advice to accompany their purchase.”
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Education continues ... BEAGLE Orthopaedic delivered another successful Spinal Study Day in Dublin recently.
Ottobock unveils new rigid spinal braces and collars OTTOBOCK has launched a worldclass range of rigid spinal braces and collars.
Joining us was over 60 delegates, taking time out of their busy schedule on what was a glorious day. The day started with an interesting lecture on the current treatments of spinal problems from Adi Zubovich of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. A morning of presentations followed from Rosemary Masterson (nurse tutor) and Paddy Julian (physiotherapist) discussing their various roles when treating a spinal patient.
We strongly believe in the clinical efficacy of our products. Providing educational support, to improve patient outcomes forms a large part of our company ethos and our brand promise.
After lunch the afternoon comprised workshops on the manual handling of a spinal patient to practical demonstrations of fitting and removal and re-fitting of spinal products from Collars right through to TLSO’s.
The feedback from these days is always magnificent. If you or your team would like further information on the Study Days or organise a dedicated spinal training session then contact Michelle Beaumont on 01254 268788.
Designed to treat the majority of spinal conditions from whiplash trauma to sacroiliac joint dysfunction, the new Smartspine range employs an unparalleled single-pulley system that delivers maximum symmetrical compression, conforming perfectly to the patient’s anatomy. This pulley, which features extremely hard-wearing cords whose smooth mantle causes very little friction, ensures that even frail, elderly patients are able to don their brace with very little effort, yet optimal therapeutic benefit. Constructed of a thin, open-structure material that is highly breathable, and with a slimline, modern design,
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the Smartspine braces deliver optimum comfort that further boosts compliance. Their simple mechanism makes them straightforward to fit and equally easy to explain to patients and their carers: another bonus in a busy clinic. Enquiries: For more information call Ottobock on 0845 600 7664.
medi UK launches new E-step makes walking easier range of knee braces using Airtex+ material THE DM Orthotics E-step is a hybrid neuromuscular stimulation system which incorporates the DMO Medical Dorsiflex Sock.
It combines FES with ankle support and proprioception to provide a more natural walking pattern which avoids unnecessary and excessive eversion created by some FES systems.
medi UK is delighted to announce the launch of a new range of knee braces manufactured from our own new and innovative Airtex+ material. Airtex+ is designed first and foremost for comfort, because we recognise that this drives overall compliance. Knitted to our unique specification to provide a compressive fit, Airtex+ actually behaves like a memory foam to provide maximum conformity and comfort with the limb, to help reduce individual areas that could rub the patient. The addition of a “Pure” technology of impregnated silver ions keeps bacteria at bay. The added “Adaptive” technology helps the fabric to breath by contracting the individual knitted fibres when warm which allows airflow and subsequent cooling; while conversely expanding the fibres when cool to help trap air which then helps insulate the patients limb. PT Control is a soft brace developed for patella tracking control with optional flexion / extension limitation. It can be used for conservative or post-surgical management of patellar luxation. The unique physioglide hinge has an external lateral bar that extrudes during flexion to provide
The E-step features Flexi-trode® silicone polymer technology, allowing the stimulator’s electrodes to be easily placed in precisely the position each time it is worn.
direct pressure to the lateral side of the patellar to help prevent dislocation during the most dangerous phase of gait.
This ensures the unit is set up for optimum use every time while also addressing compliance issues associated with skin irritation and hygiene. Effective for: Drop foot of a central neurological origin (stroke, CP, MS, ABI).
Collamed is a longer wrap around functional knee brace with optional flexion / extension limitation of its unique physioglide hinge. Available in six sizes ranging from 31 to 74cm thigh circumference, a comfortable fit is assured and four circumferential straps ensure a snug fit is maintained during the period of wear.
Other conditions with similar symptoms to drop foot may
Stabimed is shorter version of Collamed and shares many features such as a hollow netting area in the popliteal area to provide maximum comfort during flexion and silicone strips on the inside to prevent migration during gait. The tool free exchange of the flexion / extension stops ensures that fitting is quick and easy too.
The APRB is a welcome addition to TalarMade’s pressure care portfolio and can be used for the prevention and treatment of heel ulcers.
Stabimed Pro completes the range of Airtex+ products which is a shorter pull on version that is ideal for younger and more active patients requiring knee support. Enquiries: Visit shop.mediuk.co.uk or www.mediuk.co.uk or call 01432 373500 for a demo.
sometimes benefit. Provides:
Dorsiflexion timed to your pattern of walking. Extension of the toes for better stability and improved gait.
Ankle stabilisation through heel strike. Automatic adaptation to your gait as you walk. A more natural foot position at heel strike. Comfortable and discreet. Wireless Bluetooth pressure switch and motion tilt sensor for improved gait pattern. Enquiries: For more information visit www.dmorthotics.com
APRB added to portfolio TalarMade are pleased to announce the launch of their new Ambulatory Pressure Relief Boot.
It is designed to allow patients to transfer and ambulate short distances whilst offloading the posterior heel and can also be used to offload the heel and prevent contractures at the ankle whilst the patient is in bed. This highly cost-effective product has the following key features: Easily removable sole plate to prevent contamination of bed sheets following ambulation without the need for tools. Soft, breathable, washable liner.
Adjustable length toe support. Anti-rotation bar. Available in two sizes. For more information and pricing call 01246 268456, email info@talarmade.com or visit www.talarmade.com
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