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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 76 December 10/January 11 £6.95
New microchip implant to exercise paralysed muscles By Dominic Musgrave ENGINEERS have developed a new type of microchip muscle stimulator implant that will enable people with paraplegia to exercise their paralysed leg muscles. It is the first time that researchers have developed a device of this kind that is small enough to be implanted into the spinal canal and incorporates the electrodes and muscle stimulator in one unit. The implant is the size of a child’s fingernail. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) project is being led by professor Andreas Demosthenous from University College London, and includes engineers from Freiburg University and the Tyndall Institute in Cork. He said: “The work has the potential to stimulate more muscle groups than is currently possible with existing technology because a number of these devices can be implanted into the spinal canal. “Stimulation of more muscle groups means users can perform enough movement to carry out controlled exercise such as cycling or rowing. “The devices could also be used for a wide range of restorative functions such as stimulating bladder muscles to help overcome incontinence and stimulating
nerves to improve bowel capacity and suppress spasms.” The research team has overcome previous limitations by micro-packaging everything into one tiny unit. Latest laser processing technology has been used to cut tiny electrodes from platinum foil. These are then folded into a 3D shape which looks like the pages of a book, earning the device the name of the Active Book. The pages close in around the nerve roots. They are micro-welded to a silicon chip which is hermetically sealed to protect against water penetration, which can lead to corrosion of the electronics. The innovation, which will be made available for pilot studies sometime next year, has been welcomed by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts. He said: “The Active Book is a good example of how UK scientists and engineers are translating research into innovations that deliver real benefits for society. “This tiny implant has the potential to make a real difference to the lives and long-term health of people with paraplegia in the UK and around the world.” The project is co-led by Professor Nick Donaldson of University College London.
The X Factor finalists including Matt Cardle (pictured) have reunited to record a charity single to raise funds for Help For Heroes. Money raised from Heroes, originally sung by David Bowie, will go towards services for injured men and women of the British Armed Forces. The song stormed straight to the top of the charts.
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Redundant team marches on and opens new store
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A SHOE shop team who have overcome recession redundancies by opening their own store are looking forward to a successful first Christmas. The six women lost their jobs when their former employer the Faith Footwear chain went in to administration back in April. The Faith name and remaining stock was eventually purchased by another company, but not before all 72 high street stores were closed and the majority of employees were made redundant. However, former store manager Justina Pay, her deputy Roxanne Ransom and the rest of the team decided to fight against the prospect of unemployment by taking steps to open a new shoe shop in the very same premises. Seven weeks after administrators shut their Chelmsford store, it reopened as a new independent business with new stock, a new look and a new name, ‘Hope’.
Justina said: “We have been on a really big learning curve. We’ve travelled the UK to visit old suppliers, rehired former colleagues, refitted a tired old store and launched a new brand onto the high street. “When we opened Hope four months ago we did not know what to expect and we are so grateful to the people who have got behind us, both locally in store and nationally through our website. “We’ve still got a lot to learn, but we are confident that we can beat this recession.” So far the response to the store by customers shopping in the area has been very positive and the team now hope to repeat this success in a second store next year, and are already viewing empty shops in the nearby towns of Basildon, Colchester and Ipswich. Roxanne said: “Being made redundant was one of the worst experiences of my life, but
reopening the branch has been one of the best. “Where our previous employer struggled to meet local demand we’ve been able to respond and react, for example, Chelmsford is home of the ‘V Festival’ and for the first time in years we had enough wellie boots in stock for hundreds of unprepared festival goers. “Right now we’re trying to source more shoes suitable for Christmas parties, we’re being challenged to keep up with demand.” The team are now working on keeping one of the promises they made when they opened the store to help charity – and have identified a group of disadvantaged children in Romania to support. To do this they have joined forces with the local Anglia Ruskin University ‘Raise and Give Society’ and are asking the public to bring in shoe boxes containing gifts or donate funds at www.christmashopeappeal.co.uk.
Adventure footwear brand Teva has launched a competition giving fans the chance to escape to paradise. The lucky winners will be given the opportunity to visit Fiji’s Viti Levu Island, experience the Upper Navua Gorge and sail a luxury yacht in the south Pacific. Liz Ferrin, Teva Global branded content manager, said: “Through the Teva House competition, we’re offering our tribe a chance to escape from their everyday lives and take part in something bigger. “It’s about enjoying and participating in inspirational adventures and experiences.” For your chance to make the trip with Teva visit: www.tevahouse.co.uk.
Liberty hunting out creative passion
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NEW designers are being given the chance to have their products sold at Liberty in the 2011 Best of British Open Call. Now in its third year, the competition aims to recognise and support new and emerging British designs talent and is calling for new talent to come forward with their ideas. A panel of experts including Liberty’s MD Ed Burstell and his
buying team, will pick the best designs to be sold in store, as well as offering support to help the designers get their product selling. From handbags to hats and fashion to furniture, Liberty is encouraging anyone with a creative passion to bring in their designs for the panel to judge. Some of the stores current best selling products have been developed at previous Open
Calls including Michael Birch and Richard Weston scarves and Lost Property bags. The event will take place on 5 February and designers will have three minutes to pitch their products to the panel. The successful candidates will then be invited back to the store for a formal meeting with the buying team to discuss becoming a supplier.
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Physiotherapist Laura prepares for Mexican healthcare project
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A PHYSIOTHERAPIST based in Stafford is set to spend five months in Mexico setting up a project for people who cannot afford healthcare. Laura Brown is travelling to the coastal town of Puerta Vallarta to help disabled people with muscle and joint problems. She will be treating locals and trying to provoke more permanent changes by setting up an education and training programme. Laura told Assistive Technologies she was inspired to make the journey after volunteering in schools and day centres in the region last September. She added: “The previous trip was an amazing experience and really eye-opening. It’s very different to working in the NHS. The children we were working with didn’t have basic things like wheelchairs and splints and the services are so understaffed. “So, initially, I’m going out by myself to see how feasible it is to set up something more permanent to help out there but even if it doesn’t work I’ll have been there and put equipment in place.” Laura with a youngster on a previous trip to Mexico
Laura hopes her international project – which she is calling Therapies Unite – will
be able to place skilled and qualified professionals in places that will benefit most from their expertise. She added: “There is so much more that can be done so I set up Therapies Unite, which will involve me offering my services as a physiotherapist, as well as taking equipment out with me, and setting up education and training programmes, so there is a more permanent change. “Therapies Unite is for qualified healthcare professionals, with specific skills to offer, so they can go over there and really make a difference.” Laura, who works in Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals, is set to fly out to South America and is appealing to charitable individuals and companies to help fund the project, donate specialist physiotherapy and medical equipment, and provide items for a charity raffle. “This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real, visible difference to people’s lives,” she said. “The money raised will be used to ensure that the help that people need is delivered directly to them within their community.”
International recognition for research A TRAUMA and orthopaedic consultant from Lincoln County Hospital has been internationally recognised for the quality of his research.
Professor Maqsood’s papers ‘Locking percutaneous plating for fracture around the knee joint’ as a best research paper of the conference and he was awarded with a shield award.
Professor Mohammad Maqsood recently presented two papers at a conference hosted by the GermanSyrian Orthopaedic Association in Damascus, Syria, on knee fracture and cartilage repair.
During his presentation, Mohammad introduced a new definition of fracture and highlighted the importance of soft tissue.
The association selected one of
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He added: “A fracture is a soft tissue injury with broken bone inside. This highlights the importance of muscles,
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tendons and ligaments to broken bones. “In the past, surgeons were only concentrating on mending the broken bones and placing less importance on soft tissues, which achieves less desirable results.” The winning research paper described a minimally invasive technique to fix fractures around the knee joint. This is a new technique pioneered by
Mohammad which involves minimal soft tissue damage during surgery and avoids the patient having to have plaster casts and other immobilisation splints after surgery. With this new surgery, patients can start moving the fractured limb a few hours after surgery and he used examples in his presentation from procedures carried out at Lincoln County Hospital.
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Amputee Ryan takes silver medal in rowing
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By Dominic Musgrave A BELOW-the-knee amputee who, up until last year had never sat in a rowing boat before, claimed a silver medal for Great Britain at the World Championships in New Zealand. Six foot five Ryan Chamberlain was identified as a potential adaptive rower at a Paralympic Potential day in October 2009 and, since taking to the water, he has won a gold medal in all of his international races. Ryan, with some rapid prosthetic support from PACE Rehabilitation, is the sole amputee in the Siemens backed and Lottery funded Great Britain LTA (Leg, Trunk and Arm) mixed coxed four team. Initially, he rowed without a prosthesis, but his coach Tom Dyson contacted PACE, knowing that their prosthetist Jamie Gillespie was a former amputee rower, to see if they could assist at short notice. He added: “We haven’t had long to work with Ryan. “However, from my own rowing experience, I know what does and doesn’t work in a rowing boat, in terms of prosthetics. “So we have been able to apply this knowledge to Ryan’s prosthetic provision, which will hopefully benefit him and his crew in the Great Britain squad.” The PACE provision has been possible with support from the British Olympic Association and GB Rowing, along with permission from Roehampton Disablement Service Centre, to use Ryan’s prosthetic foot and ankle from their prosthesis. Ryan originally attempted to use his everyday device, but it was not suitable and, following discussions with his NHS prosthetist, his centre in Roehampton provided him with a ‘rowing prosthesis’ earlier this year. He added: “Although it’s fine in general life, it is not designed for
Ryan Chamberlain
rowing and it quickly became obvious that I was going to need a more specialised one. “It was a significant improvement, but as I have gained more experience in the boat and improved, the GB coaches and I realised that a new prosthetic socket would be required for the World Championships. “The new leg is amazing. It has taken a little getting used to, but it has made a difference both on the erg and the water. “We came second in the final, pipped on the line by the Canadians, but it was an extremely close race. We are looking forward to getting back to training and beating them next year.” ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011
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Human eye controls new wireless robot
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Injured soldier fronts campaign A SOLDIER who had his left leg amputated in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was driving hit a roadside bomb appeared in the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal campaign. As well as having his leg amputated, the blast in December 2008 also left gunner Mark Stonelake with a badly damaged right foot, fractured back, broken bones in both legs and broken nose, jaw and teeth. A friend and colleague also in the
vehicle at the time has been left permanently brain-damaged by the incident, and has to communicate through a computer. Mark, who still serves in the British Armed Forces is one of the first wounded soldiers to have benefited from the Battle Back programme while receiving treatment at Headley Court. Mark appeared in the Legion’s Poppy Appeal poster campaign and TV commercial.
School cuts undermine fight against obesity CUTS to funding for school sports risk undermining efforts to combat obesity, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has warned. The government plans to scrap the £162 million school sports partnerships programme, which pays coordinators to organise clubs, fixtures and competitions.
“With approximately one third of children aged two to 15 in England overweight or obese, there is a risk that by scrapping school sports partnerships we are creating future generations of patients.” The proposed cuts have been opposed by the National Obesity 6
project has several practical future applications in the research area of assisted living, especially for the disabled.
The project uses sophisticated eyetracking technology and could change the lives of thousands of disabled people.
“The technology used in this project could be extended to control an electric wheelchair by just looking in the direction in which you want it to go, and this is what we would like to explore next.”
Suraj Verma, a Master’s of Science student from the University’s School of Engineering, Design and Technology, has created the robot, under the supervision of lecturer Dr Prashant Pillai. Intelligent Recognition for Interactive Systems (IRIS) Communication, the name given to the project, has been developed to employ eye-tracking technology in the field of robotic navigation, home automation and media and marketing research. Dr Prashant Pillai said a headmounted eye tracker has been developed which detects the movement of the human eye and accordingly controls the navigation of the robot via Bluetooth. He added: “The advanced eyetracking technology used in this
The service will see patients who have had a stroke going to Preston Hospital where they will receive specialist emergency treatment. This includes a new thrombolysis service for those who will benefit from it – around 10 per cent of the 500 stroke patients who go to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals every year. Darren Campbell
Forum, the Youth Sport Trust, and sporting superstars such as Olympian Darren Campbell and England footballer David James. The government says the current system is not working and decisions should be taken on a local level by headteachers.
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The developed system can also turn on/off lights and other electrical appliances in the room using the X10 wireless protocol – an open standard for wireless control of household electronic devices using bursts of radio frequency signals. The main aim of this project was to aid physically challenged people in communicating and being able to control their household appliances. Systems using sound and touch to control a computer are available to help disabled people, but the IRIS Communication system uses eyetracking to control the computer and other household appliances.
New stroke unit will save lives and reduce likelihood of disability A NEW service to be launched in January will save lives and reduce the likelihood of disability for the many people in Lancashire who experience a stroke.
The CSP believes the important work done by the partnerships complements initiatives such as the physiotherapy-led Move for Health campaign, which encourages children to get the one hour of exercise they need each day. Chief executive Phil Gray said: “The move to cut funding for sport in schools seems a poor decision at a critical time in the battle to improve children's health and prevent obesity in adults. Every day physiotherapists treat adults who are experiencing injury or illness as a consequence of inactivity.
A STUDENT from the University of Bradford has developed a wireless robot which is controlled by using the human eye.
The stroke unit at Chorley Hospital will become a dedicated rehabilitation centre. This will ensure that care for people who have had a stroke takes place in a specialist unit, in line with national guidelines. The changes follow a successful thrombolysis pilot run by the hospital and NHS Central Lancashire which started in April at Preston Hospital.
Nine of the 11 patients who took part in the pilot had a much better recovery than expected, and seven recovered completely. They also recovered more quickly, and were able to leave hospital twice as early as patients who had not had thrombolysis. Dr Shuja Punekar, consultant stroke physician at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “Around 10 per cent of stroke patients benefit from thrombolysis. “When treatment is given within three hours from the onset of symptoms, patients often make a near complete recovery. “Current evidence suggests this new service will improve outcomes for hundreds of patients who experience a stroke in Lancashire every year. The new service will save around 10 lives every year and reduce the impact of disability for around 70 stroke patients.”
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Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Mark Yates, Sascha Kindred OBE, professor David Green, University of Worcester vice chancellor Simon Hawkins, and Zahoor Ahmad, head of organisational development at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Experiences shared at diversity conference A GOLD medal winning Paralympic swimming champion and a firefighter who lost part of his leg in a motorcycle crash shared their experiences at a conference on diversity and equality at the University of Worcester. Breaststroke and individual medley swimmer Sascha Kindred OBE won a total of six Paralympic, eight World
and 11 European Championship gold medals, and has represented Great Britain in four Paralympic Games. In addition, he currently holds a number of British, European, Paralympic and World records.
Sascha said: “When I was younger the local swimming club wouldn’t accept me because of my disability. But with the help of my family we got past that and at the age of 13 I made it into the Great Britain squad.
He was also recently appointed as a sports ambassador for the Herefordshire and Worcester Olympic and Paralympic Ambassador Group.
“Conferences like this are really important to show people that a disability should not stop you from doing anything you want to do and that they are able to do the same things as everyone else.” Simon Hawkins became the first firefighter in Europe to return to front line duty after losing part of his leg. The firefighter with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in 2004, and had to have his lower left leg amputated. He thought he would never walk
again, but just five months after his accident, he returned to work in a non-operational role before going onto becoming the first firefighter in the UK and Europe to return to full operational duties with a prosthetic leg. Simon, who received help and support with his rehabilitation from the University of Worcester’s Motion and Performance Centre, added: “The person I am now is a product of the people around me, being supportive and giving me hope. “The Fire Service stayed in contact with me every week, and the after care I received was phenomenal.” Both men were speakers at the University of Worcester’s annual diversity and equality conference, which was supported by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Sir Jimmy Savile joined the mayor and mayoress of Wakefield at the opening of the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre’s new £2m rehabilitation facilities. The facilities at Pinderfields Hospital, which have been built using funds donated to the Trust by charity The Stepping Stones Appeal, house some of the best rehabilitation equipment in the country. There was also a plaque unveiling by Veronica Trueman as the sports hall is being dedicated to her husband, the late cricketer Fred Trueman OBE. Picture: Sir Jimmy Savile with a patient and member of staff
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Diving physio takes on new university role By Dominic Musgrave THE physiotherapist who helped diver Tom Daley win two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games is hoping to make a splash in his new role at a North East university. Gareth Ziyambi, formerly the lead physiotherapist for British diving, has relocated to join The Performance Clinic, based in the University of Sunderland’s award-winning CitySpace. The clinic provides world-class physiotherapy and sports injury rehabilitation and performance services for elite and recreational athletes. Gareth said: “I was looking for a change in lifestyle having worked in elite sports for 11 years and saw The Performance Clinic as a great opportunity. “I thought it would be nice to take a break and absolutely loved Sunderland when I came to visit. I will still maintain my links with elite sports and will be travelling with the GB teams as and when they need me. “But the work here in a private clinic
Gareth Ziyambi
gives me a really nice balance. “I like the fact that the clinic is right next to the university gym, and City Space is a really nice open area with a hub for entertainment.
The 36-year-old has worked with a number of national teams including hockey, rugby, gymnastics, Davis Cup tennis, swimming and athletics.
“I think as a physio you want to feel like you're part of a community of people, because this is very much a public relations job, so to be based in a facility like this fits in perfectly.”
He has also attended two Olympics and All-Africa Games as chief physiotherapist to Team Zimbabwe. He was physiotherapist to the Africa Athletics team during the inaugural Afro-Asia Games in 2003.
Gareth trained and qualified in Zimbabwe and has worked extensively with elite and professional athletes since 1998.
Since moving to the UK in 2004, Gareth joined the English Institute of Sport and has worked in athletics, boxing, volleyball and table tennis.
Andrew hopes climb will inspire others A LINCOLN above-the-knee amputee has achieved his ultimate dream of climbing to the top of one of the world's most challenging peaks. Andrew Skinner, a 40-year-old who is a member of the Paralympics’ Great British volleyball squad, set his sights on conquering the gruelling challenge to raise money for Limbpower, a charity which specialises in offering relief to the physically disabled. He said that, along with six other amputees and nine support staff, he has raised more than £18,000 for the charity. “I've always been an extremely active person and I didn't want my disability to stop me from achieving the goals I still wanted to reach,” he added. “The Mount Kilimanjaro challenge was my biggest to date, and I hope my adventure can ins-pire other amputees that they can enjoy an active lifestyle and achieve their own goals – no matter how small the challenge may be.”
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Darren opens practice SUNDERLAND and England striker Darren Bent opened Cambridgeshire Sports Physio and Back Care’s new practice in Hampton. The new venture has been set up to provide physiotherapy treatment and patient care to the local community.
Darren (centre) with the team at the new practice
Cambridgeshire Sports Physio and Back Care was established in 2003, initially operating from the home of
Matt and Sara Taylor. Darren met the growing team a few years ago when he used their gym facilities for summer training and opened their Huntingdon practice when the business grew. Some of Cambridgeshire’s top athletes – runners, footballers, gymnasts, golfers, rugby and tennis players – are part of the client base.
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Workloads have increased for 85 per cent of staff
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Two members of Kirton Healthcare Group’s customer service team have completed an NVQ level 2 in team leadership. Ann Kennedy and Dannie Fidler, who are both part of the customer service team, were presented with their certificates by managing director Andrew Hardman. As part of the process, both were examined on their daily contacts with customers, on health and safety issues and on appropriate risk assessments. Picture: Ann Kennedy and Dannie Fidler receive their certificates from Andrew Hardman
£9k boost for African charity A CHARITY set up by an Edinburgh lawyer to help amputees and disabled people in Africa has received a £9,000 boost. 500 miles’ Olivia Giles accepted a cheque from Pipeline Industries Guild Scottish branch chairman, Les Dickson. The money was raised at the annual PIG Scottish Branch
dinner in Glasgow's Thistle Hotel and was boosted by donations on the evening. The charity currently supports three initiatives - the 500 Miles Prosthetic and Orthotic Centre in Malawi, the Zambian Italian Orthopaedic Hospital in Zambia and FlysSpec, a Zambian flying medical service.
INCREASED workloads and restructuring of services driven by the squeeze on budgets and increased competition are undermining the quality of patient care, a survey has revealed. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy report has shown that workloads have increased over the past year for 85 per cent of NHS physiotherapy staff, with more than 40 per cent saying this is undermining the quality of patient services. More than 50 per cent of the survey’s respondents also said restructuring of services is hitting patient services. Peter Finch, assistant director of employment relations and union services, said: “Our members are facing a two-year pay freeze, threats to their terms and conditions of employment and pensions, on top of the impact of the recent spending review and hikes in VAT and national insurance.
“Increased workloads and the restructuring of services in response to financial pressures and increased competition in the NHS are also having a negative effect on patient care. “It is crucial that the NHS pay review body recognises the longer-term impact on motivation and morale, recruitment and retention these pressures will have on NHS staff - let alone the real terms two-year pay cut they are being asked to take.” The survey also found that almost 60 per cent work more than their contracted hours, and at least 70 per cent are working extra hours for no pay. Morale has deteriorated over the past year for the majority of NHS physio staff. The survey, conducted by IDS on behalf of health unions as part of submissions to the NHS pay review body, also found that six out of 10 felt their latest pay rise was outweighed by cost of living increases.
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Funding first for former footballer Tom A FORMER professional footballer and the first Professional Footballers’ Association funded student to complete a BHSc physiotherapy degree at a York university has graduated with a 2:1 honours degree. Tom Wilkinson is the first York St John student to receive full funding from the PFA after the university successfully rolled out the scheme with them three years ago. York St John is one of only a handful of universities which receives funding from the PFA, and it will fund five ex-professional or academy players every year through their studies in a bid to help them accomplish an alternate career as a physiotherapist. Tom said: “I have had the time of my life at York St John University. As a small closeknit community students get plenty of support for both practical and written work. “Placements are varied to ensure each student gains the essential skills in the key areas of physiotherapy. “I hope to get back into football at some point, but in the meantime I am enjoying
my career as a physiotherapist in hospital.” Tom’s professional football career began at Lincoln City n 2006, but was cut short prematurely due to a persistent knee injury. After receiving physiotherapy himself as a result of his injury, he looked to pursue a career within the profession. Tom received guidance on achieving this from Pat Lally, director of education within the PFA education team, who set up the agreement with York St John University. Jill Wickham, continuing professional development coordinator at York St John, said: “The PFA partnership adds diversity to the undergraduate population. Although from a football background the students are encouraged to see physiotherapy as a wide and varied profession. Tom discovered his interest to be with people receiving treatment in the acute hospital setting and achieved this goal.” Tom now lives back in his hometown of Lincoln and is a physiotherapist at Lincoln county hospital for the United Lincolnshire hospitals NHS trust.
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‘Bespoke’ knee replacements tried at hospital
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By Dominic Musgrave A BRISTOL hospital is pioneering the use of a new technology which creates “tailor-made” knee replacements. The Visionaire system, which is produced by global healthcare company Smith and Nephew, is targeted at people who have developed painful knee arthritis, sometimes following knee ligament damage while playing sport earlier in life, or more frequently as part of the degenerative process of osteoarthritis which affects many people, typically in their 60s and 70s. First the patient has an X-ray and a scan of their knee. A model of the knee is then created by computer modelling, followed by two “bespoke” nylon cutting blocks. The blocks – one made to match the patient’s femur and the other, the tibia – are then sterilised and sent to the orthopaedic surgeon ready for the procedure. James Murray, a consultant at Spire Bristol Hospital and a partner in KneeSpecialists.co.uk, is one of only a handful of surgeons to be using the Visionaire technique in the UK. He said: “What makes this technique
A Gloucestershire theatre’s box office manager is lending a leg as well as a hand to the pantomime this winter. Gail Jones, who has had a prosthetic leg since childhood, is donating her spare for the performances of Cinderella. She said: “The director was looking for a mannequin leg as a prop and, when I heard he was having problems trying to get hold of one, I offered him my spare.”
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different is that it combines the tried and tested knee replacement with the ability to produce a very accurate positioning of the implant. “Whereas knee replacements have traditionally been ‘off the peg’, Visionaire means we can create a bespoke knee, tailored for each person. “This technology has massive potential cost savings in terms of operative time and also improves the accuracy of the surgery. One of his patients is June Hockey, who has suffered with arthritis for several years but opted to have surgery earlier this year, when the pain became too much. The 88-year-old said: “My left knee would sometimes become very unstable and would click in and out of place from time to time. However I have had always been able to live with it and didn’t do anything about the problem until this year, when it started getting too painful.” “The operation is not something you go into easily at my age, but it was much better than I expected. I was awake throughout the whole thing and was up and about the next morning. Now I am back to normal and can walk perfectly well again, with the aid of a stick for my other knee.”
‘The Baron’ visits Ossur HQ FORMER Big Brother housemate and bi-lateral amputee Steve Gill visited Ossur UK’s headquarters to support the company’s fundraising efforts for Children In Need and participate in training on some of the prosthetic equipment he uses.
He now works under his guise as ‘The Baron’ to help raise funds and awareness for some of the causes closest to his heart, such as Dogs for the Disabled and BLESMA, a charity supporting ex-service men who have suffered limb loss.
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Housing scheme hosts launch of foot care clinic AVERY sheltered housing scheme has played host to the launch of a new foot care clinic, provided by Age UK Bristol. Brunelcare’s Waverley Gardens now offers the service, which provides the over 55s with access to affordable foot care, to its tenants and the local community.
Waverley Gardens residents attend the foot care clinic with Lorraine Millard, basic foot care service manager at Age UK Bristol
Housebound stroke victims sought for new study PEOPLE who have become housebound after having a stroke are being invited to take part in a new study that could help to put them back on the road to independence. Researchers at Nottingham University are leading a national research project that will look at whether a new way of offering rehabilitation therapy could assist stroke patients who are keen to leave the house more but have lost the confidence to step out on their own. Funded with £10 million from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the study will involve providing some volunteer patients with a targeted rehabilitation approach and goal-based outdoor mobility programme in an attempt to improve their physical capabilities and boost their belief in their own abilities. Their achievements will then be compared to other volunteer patients who have not received the intervention to discover how they fared in comparison. Dr Pip Logan in the university’s division of rehabilitation and ageing, who is leading the study, said: “Looking at practical barriers which may be preventing people from leaving the house, such as a lack of adequate handrails on steps and
garden paths, is of course very valid. “However, it is often the psychological barriers which are the toughest to overcome. For someone who has driven all their life up until their stroke, tackling public transport can seem extremely daunting. “We are hoping that by offering a more targeted approach to therapy we can help them to develop their mobility abilities and coping strategies that will allow them get about more and become independent people once again.” The research follows a pilot study undertaken by the team in 2004 which found that, despite rehabilitation, 42 per cent of people with a stroke wanted to get out of their house more. The randomised controlled trial offered a travel promotion programme by an occupational therapist to half of the volunteers on the study. It provided them with bespoke information, prescribing remedial exercises and equipment as needed and supporting them in their return to driving or using public transport. At the end of the four-month trial, this group were twice as likely to get out and about as those who had not received this service.
The scheme sees the user just needing to pay an initial payment of £5 for a personal foot care kit, with each subsequent treatment costing £10, which is less than half the price of equivalent private
alternatives. The team of trained volunteers, who were bought together by Age UK Bristol with the city council and NHS podiatry devices, provide basic foot care such as toenail cutting, filing and skincare treatments. Lorraine Millard, basic foot care service manager at Age UK Bristol, said: “We hope this vital service will improve the quality of life for many older people in Bristol.
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“If the toenail cutting service is a success we hope to set up other clinics across the city.”
Foot pressure platform added to Algeos range ALGEOS has introduced the new Podotech Elftman foot pressure platform to its range. The Podotech Elftman utilises state of the art pressure mat technology and electronic sensors to provide extensive analysis options and the static, dynamic and postural modes enable patients to be scanned while standing, walking or running. Superior visual analysis is provided via 2D or 3D scans, graphs and reports that enable immediate interpretation of data and encourage
patient interaction. Business development executive and biomechanics specialist Heidi Meckler said: “The Podotech Elftman is very cost-effective compared to competitor systems. “It’s a highly versatile platform that offers the clinician with an array of analysis options, and the visual impact of the scans is great for patient education. Reports are quick and easy to generate, and can be saved to patient files or emailed to colleagues.”
Parallel bars to help injured servicemen A BIRMINGHAM hospital’s physiotherapy team has purchased parallel bars to help wounded military personnel to regain their strength, balance, range of motion and independence. The bars at Queen Elizabeth Hospital will be used by rehabilitation therapists for co-ordination exercises, helping patients with balance, as well as for ambulation exercises, to improve a patient’s ability to walk.
Money for the equipment was raised through donations by visitors to the annual Old Hill Festival. Mike Hammond, chief executive of the QEHB charity, said: “Rehabilitation and aftercare are crucial elements of the work of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, which is based here in Birmingham. The purchase of the parallel bars will make a huge difference to helping our troops on the road to recovery.”
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OT benefits explained to patients PEOPLE with an illness or disability in Midlothian were invited to find out more about the benefits of occupational therapy. As part of Occupational Therapy Week, NHS Lothian staff highlighted the work they provide to help people live their everyday lives more independently. Sheena Wight, occupational therapy manager at East and Midlothian Community Health Partnerships, said the service is often misunderstood or misrepresented. She added: “We would recommend anyone with an illness or disability to find out more about occupational therapy. “We work by assessing people’s daily activities and then providing practical advice, equipment, techniques and training to help them cope with difficulties and lead their lives as independently as possible. “We often deal with people who have had a stroke, those who have long term conditions like arthritis or people who experience falls, but anyone can use our service.”
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New orthopaedic surgeon joins hospital team PATIENTS requiring lower limb surgery including ankle replacements are benefitting from the appointment of a new orthopaedic surgeon in North East Lincolnshire. Sairam Alavala has joined the team at Grimsby’s Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital and will be carrying out general orthopaedics and trauma work, as well as more specialised lower limb and foot and ankle surgery He is one of a handful of consultants in the region who is able to carry out the intricate replacement of ankles, with the nearest other hospitals offering this service in Leeds and Hull. Sairam added: “I have extensive experience of lower limb surgery having worked with several arthroplasty consultants and a well renowned senior foot and ankle surgeon in Northampton. “I am also looking to develop a complex foot and ankle trauma service for such things as heel bone fractures and serious foot injuries as
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011
currently we do not provide this. “This will benefit our patients enormously as at the moment patients presenting with these types of injuries have to be transferred to other hospitals for treatment.” Originally from South India, he came to the UK in 1996 after having graduated from one of the best health universities in India. Sairam spent the first couple of years completing basic surgical rotation and then went on to further his career in trauma and orthopaedics, working in various hospitals across the country. He said he was also keen to further develop the ankle replacement service for those patients who are suitable for this type of surgery. “Ankle replacements are not as common as hip or knee replacements, but it is gaining popularity as this gives patients an alternative to fusing the joint,” Sairam added.
Sairam Alavala
“There are few hospitals currently in the UK providing this type of service routinely. I am keen to ensure our local patients have access to this type of specialist treatment.”
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Prosthetic Physio Paul lands solution supermarket contract wins award to help staff stay fit
TOUCH Bionics’ ProDigits solution has won a best of what’s new award from science and technology magazine Popular Science.
By Dominic Musgrave THE former physio of Darlington and Middlesbrough football clubs who spent the summer in the US working for a Manchester United star has secured a major contract to help staff at a supermarket chain stay fit. Paul Gough Physio Rooms, which has centres in Darlington, Durham, Guisborough and Hartlepool, has been asked to provide a prevention and injury recovery service to approximately 300 workers at the Teesport depot of Asda supermarket. The contract caps a successful year for Hartlepool born physio Paul, who was asked by Manchester United and former England midfielder Paul Scholes to be senior medical expert at his soccer academy in Florida. Paul, who worked for football teams
for five years, told Assistive Technologies he was was honoured to work alongside the footballer but, from a business perspective, the contract with Asda has greater significance. He said: “Working with Paul Scholes in America was a dream come true. At times I was pinching myself, but this agreement with Asda is so much more rewarding, as it involves recognition for the hard work and friendliness my staff have shown to our patients. “For a huge business such as Asda to choose and trust our practice to care for its staff is an honour, and is just reward for our hard work and dedication over the years, from the office staff to the physiotherapists. “I am extremely proud of our team.” As part of the agreement Paul
offered Asda workers injury prevention sessions during the firm’s recent healthy business week. He said he hopes the deal will help him secure contracts with other major supermarket chains and retailers. The practice employs eight physiotherapists and four secretaries, who deal with more than 400 patients a week. In the past it has worked with organisations including US insurer AIG, AXA PPP healthcare, and North East businesses such as Housing Hartlepool, Tomlinson Hall, of Billingham, and Winn Solicitors. In the New Year he will open a centre in Langley Moor, near Durham, specialising in rehabilitation for people with physical disabilities.
ProDigits is the world’s first powered prosthetic solution for people with missing fingers, and Touch Bionics extended the technology innovation behind its groundbreaking i-LIMB Hand to create a solution that brings lifechanging technology to partial-hand patients.
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Each year the editors of Popular Science review thousands of products in search of the top 100 tech innovations of the year; breakthrough products and technologies that represent a significant leap in their categories. CEO Stuart Mead said: “ProDigits is a truly life-changing technology, and 2010 has been a very successful first year for this system, with well over 100 people now fitted by Touch Bionics at our network of Touch Life Center clinics in the US and centre of excellence in the UK.”
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Everyday tasks made easier by new technology
Excellence award for Susan A PHYSIOTHERAPY assistant has been awarded an excellence in patient care award by the NHS hospital that employs her. Susan Hughes, pictured above, works alongside the Gloucestershire Royal hospital physiotherapy team on surgical wards, and has particular responsibility for amputee patients. She runs a twice weekly exercise group for both inpatients and outpatients where she supervises patients’ rehabilitation to either wheelchair independence or walking with a prosthetic limb. Physiotherapist Gill Donovan praised her development of a spirit of camaraderie amongst patient groups, and with helping people to cope with life changing surgery. She added: “I have seen her passion and dedication to this group of patients develop. “The excellence in patient care award singles out individuals or teams who have gone the ‘extra
By Dominic Musgrave A NEW piece of technology is being developed by Scottish researchers to help people with difficulties to carry out everyday tasks.
mile’ to improve the experience of patients within their care. Susan takes a holistic approach to her patients. She involves their families in the rehabilitation process, and has also set up an amputee ‘buddy’ service for individuals who are facing amputation.” Susan was one of the first assistants to join the clinical network British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Amputee Rehabilitation.
Guide will help those with a brain injury, dementia or mental health condition who are unable to do everyday tasks such as doing their laundry or setting a morning routine, not because of any physical disability, but because their cognitive impairments leave them unable to plan tasks and initiate the actions necessary to achieve their goals. Dr Alex Gillespie and Cath Best of the University of Stirling’s department of psychology and Dr Brian O’Neil from the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, have received funding from the Chief Scientist Office Scotland to develop a technology which simulates the verbal prompting that caregivers provide. Cath said being told every step of how to get up in the morning or make a snack is frustrating for all concerned. She added: “Receiving personal care is often demeaning and providing it is always costly. So can technology provide a supportive, more dignified and cost efficient way to deliver these services? “Think of Guide as a SatNav for everyday activities. Instead of telling you to turn left or right, this technology talks you through routine activities – for example, reminding you how to get dressed, to ensure
that you are wearing appropriate clothes. “The routine activities of daily living may seem simple but they actually involve complex sequences of thought and action. “For example, before making a cup of tea the person has to make sure that all the equipment is to hand, that the kettle contains sufficient water and that it is plugged in and switched on. Unless these steps are taken in the right order, it’s impossible to make the tea.” Guide simulates the verbal prompts provided by carers. For example, it asks: “Is there water in the kettle?” and then: “Is the red light on the kettle?” and so on. For each question, users can respond verbally, saying “yes” or “no”. Speech recognition software understands what is said, and uses it to advance the dialogue, sometimes helping to problem solve. Guide is sophisticated enough to let people carry out sequences in a different order – enabling them to take several possible routes to their goal. Cath added: “The new project’s aim is to develop the system to the point where it helps people to complete their morning routines, including dressing, before going on to do their own laundry. “The latter part of the study will entail talking people with brain injury through how to use a washing machine, a common difficulty among those with cognitive disabilities.”
New features lined up for Naidex National 2011 A HOST of new features are being introduced at next year’s renamed Naidex National exhibition. Rebranded from Naidex Birmingham, the event at the NEC from April 5-7 is expected to be the largest ever, and will include The Wellbeing Walk, which is designed to revitalise, while doubling as a hub of information and showcase products benefiting everyday life. Free massages, alternative therapy and nutritional advice will be available, with a team of experts on hand to answer questions. The Innovation Zone will showcase the latest new products and offer the opportunity to meet new suppliers, 18
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while the Home Exercise and Rehab Zone will give practical demonstrations, help and advice in home rehabilitation. And the Inspiration Theatre, previously known as the Lifestyle Theatre, will provide an interactive forum with inspirational case studies, Canine Partner assistance dogs in action and also offer the chance to learn about body positioning and the benefits of yoga. Event director Liz Virgo said: “We are very excited about the new features at Naidex National. We are always listening to feedback and have tailored the event to offer what our visitors want to see.”
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sponsors podiatry
‘One in ten have abandoned their shoes altogether or borrowed someone else’s’ THE average woman can stand their new pair of shoes for just 34 minutes before grimacing with pain on a night out, it has been revealed. Researchers have found that once they have stepped out of the taxi and into a pub or club, they survive just over half an hour before their feet start to hurt. Four in ten said they take a spare pair of pumps ‘out of habit’ to change into because they know their shoes will rub. And more than half have ended up walking home bare-foot, while one in ten have abandoned their shoes altogether or borrowed someone else’s. Erika Gibbins, podiatrist for shoe insert company Insolia, who carried out the survey of 4,000 women,
said: '”So many women will be able to relate to these findings, as they've been victims of painful shoes, but persevere with them in the name of fashion. “It's ridiculous that so many nights out are spoilt so quickly by painful shoes, and it doesn't have to be this way. “The fact the nation's women are resorting to taking a second pair of shoes, and walking home barefoot means they need to do something so they can get to enjoy nights out and not worry about their feet.” The study was carried out to mark the launch of Insolia inserts, which claim to help relieve the pain of high heels so women can wear them for up to three times longer. It found the average woman has
Rugby players touch down at launch WORCESTER Warriors rugby players used to recovering from injuries helped launch a new physiotherapy and podiatry service in the city. Members of the public were treated to a free physiotherapy session, a taster sports massage and biochemical analysis at Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre. A question and answer session on knee injuries was
also held, while players Adam Balding, Dale Rasmussen and Aleki Lutui spoke about the recoveries they have to make. The new service is being run by consultant physiotherapist Matthew Goodman, who has worked in the NHS, private sector and in elite sports – he has provided physiotheraphy for London Wasps’ rugby team and a number of Great Britain triathletes.
suffered from foot pain on at least six occasions in the last 12 months.
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Erik added: “In standard three inch heels the centre of pressure is 75 per cent on the front of the foot which is why you get that burning sensation on the ball of your foot. This can also lead to bad body alignment and leg and lower back pain. When you stand for a prolonged period of time the load is magnified to the point where the foot just hurts all the time. “My advice would be to always test new shoes at home and if they feel like they might start to hurt, take precautions like fitting an insert to help realign weight.” The nationwide poll of women aged 18 to 65 also quizzed them on their obsession with shoes.
‘Postcode lottery’ uncovered A ‘POSTCODE lottery’ exists in the treatment of diabetes in the NHS, which is dependent on whether a specialist team of those in podiatry jobs is present, a study has found. Eighty per cent of diabetic amputations are potentially preventable with better treatment, according to the study, which says that amputations often reflect the quality of care the patient has experienced. These figures were revealed after regional maps were created by NHS Right Care, looking at spending, key conditions, treatment and outcomes. Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “With access to high quality care, patient education and effective diabetes management, there is no reason why people with diabetes should not live long and healthy lives. The devastating impact on some of the 2.3 million people in England with diabetes must not be dependent on geography.”
‘Unprecedented’ response to insole PODIATRISTS at the University of Salford say they have had an ‘unprecedented’ response to their Lateral Wedge Technology™ insole after it was featured in a recent issue of Assistive Technologies. The team say they had more than 80 enquires from people with medial knee arthritis within 48 hours and, within two weeks, orthopaedic surgeons started to refer into the University clinical service because they did not want to wait for the insole to become available in their own NHS clinics. Dr Richard Jones from the School of www.algeos.com
Health, Sport and Rehabilitation Science said there is an unmet need for an immediate and low cost treatment for medial compartment arthritis of the knee. He added: “We were really pleased with the response. People feel they can get benefit above that offered by conventional treatments and because the insole is available immediately and at low costs it is very effective from a quality of service point of view”. “The insole offers a good chance of pain relief and is clearly more convenient to patients than repeated
physiotherapy appointments or continual use of pain relief. “This seems particularly timely given spending cuts impacting on waiting lists. Patients and surgeons alike have also remarked on the durability of the insole material, which comes with a lifetime guarantee.” Richard, who recently travelled to Malmo and Dublin to lecture podiatrists, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons about his research and the insole, is continuing the research through a major research programme sponsored by Arthritis Research UK. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011
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New physio practice brings jobs A STATE-OF-THE-ART physiotherapy practice has sprung into life near Portsmouth with the creation of 10 new jobs. Coastal Clinics in Gosport hosted two open days for 1,000 invited guests, from GPs to local running clubs, along with walk-in members of the public, before being officially launched. On display was what is thought to be the only facility of its kind in use by a physiotherapy practice in the county – a dedicated ‘Wii-hab’ suite where patients can exercise by playing Wii Fit virtual sports on two large plasma screens. Lisa Brown, founder and owner of Coastal Clinics, said: “The aim is to develop the Coastal Clinics name into a leading player in its field, helping thousands of people each year improve their physical quality of life rather than endure discomfort. “Our goal is the promotion of wellness, increased patient functioning and quality of life. “This is an exciting time for the team, with the creation of 10 new jobs and the unveiling of the Wii-hab suite, which I understand to be the first facility of its kind to be used by our profession in Hampshire.” A team of multi-discipline physiotherapists, podiatrists, surgeons and healthcare workers will be using an integrated approach of medicine to restore health and quality of life using a combination of traditional and alternative medicine, including non-invasive and invasive cosmetic surgery.
Plan aims to enhance
A Teesside University lecturer helped boost England’s medal hopes in the Commonwealth Games in India. Julie Sparrow, senior lecturer in physiotherapy, was a physiotherapist with the gymnastics team at her fourth Games, and is already gearing up for the 2012 Olympics. Julie worked as a NHS physiotherapist for 18 years at Middlesbrough’s General Hospital and James Cook Hospital before joining Teesside University as a lecturer nine years ago – returning to where she studied physiotherapy in the early 1980s when it was Teesside Polytechnic.
Double success for Fit for Work team THE Fit for Work physio team at the National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace, won two prestigious awards for excellence from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The service works with a range of public and private organisations including Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, the London Fire Brigade and the City of London Police. Fit for Work director Stuart Paterson said: “This means a great deal to the team, as it is recognition of their hard work and dedication in providing a
A REPRESENTATIVE from the Government Olympic Executive has visited Aspire to learn about the many activities on offer. Paul Foster was also exploring the possibility of the two parties working together in support of the Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Plan for disabled people. The plan aims to enhance the lives of disabled people through increased participation in sport and leisure, improving business, transport and employment opportunities for disabled people and changing perceptions of disability. Future meetings will examine opportunities to use the Aspire example to influence other sports and leisure operators towards fulfilling the Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Plan. 20
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high quality and friendly physiotherapy service that keeps staff at work, sustaining vital services across London”. “Seventy seven per cent of the staff we treat said their symptoms were completely resolved or much improved after an average of three or four sessions with a physio. Twelve per cent only needed one session.” The award was one of four presented at the fourth annual awards ceremony at the Hotel Russell, which was attended by more than 100 physios. Complementary therapy students from Deeside College are gaining valuable experience treating Wrexham’s footballers. The students are performing sports massages on players with a view to securing permanent placements and strengthening their CVs. Lecturer Sue Jackaman said: “Working in a sporting environment won’t be for every student but, for those with an interest in the area, this is a fantastic opportunity.” Student Rachel Roberts works on Wrexham’s Frank Sinclair.
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‘Parents could be condemning kids to lifetime of problems’ By Dominic Musgrave FOUR million children are wearing the wrong-size shoes, according to new research. The study, conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University, found that parents who squeeze their child's feet into the wrong-sized shoes could be condemning them to a lifetime of problems. People need to take as much care of their children's feet as they do with their teeth, say podiatry professionals. Dr Gordon Watt, lecturer in podiatry at the university, said neglect, budget constraints, convenience and fashion are all to blame. He added: “People think of feet as smelly. They often just forget about them, when they should actually take much more of an interest. “Children's feet tend to grow rapidly in the first four years of their life, but it can take up to 18 years for the foot's bones, muscles and ligaments to harden into adult form. So teenage feet need to be looked after as well as those of smaller children.” According to the research, one in 10 parents say their children have continued to wear shoes that are too small for them. Half admit to only
Kidz boost A CHARITY’S partnership model provides disabled children with better wheelchairs at lower cost and shorter waits, according to a new study. Economic firm Frontier Economics Limited launched a report showing how mobility charity Whizz-Kidz has pioneered a model for working in partnership with the NHS – delivering better wheelchairs, faster, and reducing costs by 60 per cent. It also highlights that if NICE cost criteria were applied to the area of wheelchair provision, the improved quality of life for disabled children and young people would more than justify the cost of meeting the “unmet need”. Matthew Bell from Frontier Economics said: “This report highlights Whizz-Kidz’ work with NHS wheelchair services as a perfect case study of how resources can be better focused on the frontline.” In 2007, Whizz-Kidz trialled a collaborative approach with the NHS, partnering with NHS Tower Hamlets to improve the provision of wheelchairs for disabled children. The model went on to win the dignity in care award at the Health and Social Care Awards in 2008.
buying new shoes when their children complain their feet are hurting. Podiatry experts say many people neglect their children's feet because they simply don't understand the problems an ill-fitting pair of shoes can cause. Only 40 per cent of parents interviewed as part of the research took into account whether the shoes on their offspring's feet were well fitting and supportive. Gordon added: “The rise of cheaper shoes, sold without expert advice
and proper fitting in stores and supermarkets, has also had an impact. Not only do they cost less, but they are often more convenient to buy than taking a child to a proper shoe shop for a fitting. “Often fashionable shoes offer very little support. Take the current trend for ballet pumps among girls. “They offer no support and are very flat. If you have an active child running around in them it could lead to Achilles tendon problems in the future.”
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‘T’ MAX MAKES TOILETING AND SHOWERING SIMPLE SPECIALISED Orthotic Services has launched its new ‘T’ Max toilet seat for children unable to use a conventional toilet. It has a moulded seat with padded foam liner to support the child in the correct seating position, moulded sides which hug the torso and a pommel for between the legs to help maintain correct posture. The seat’s frame can be used easily with a conventional wc, but alternatively it can be supplied with a commode. Effective toileting helps a child’s general health and wellbeing so the ‘T’ Max comes in three sizes, is easily cleaned and simple to construct. It comes on manoeuvreable castors which lock, and is supplied with a headrest adding extra support, a footrest for balance and a tilt facility to ensure the chair is in optimum position for the user. The seat is great for use in the shower too as all fittings are non-corrosive. Enquiries: Telephone 01283 812860, email enquiries@specialorthotic.com or visit www.specialisedorthoticsservices.co.uk
A BIOMECHANICALLY CORRECT ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS FOR CHILDREN THE latest in the world-renowned ToeOFF® product family of ankle foot orthoses (AFO) from Gilbert and Mellish is KiddieGAIT™. It? is the first orthosis to provide the support required from a paediatric AFO while actually encouraging correct tri-planar function in the developing foot, instead of totally immobilising it. KiddieGAIT™? is an anterior fitting carbon composite AFO designed to work in conjunction with custom foot orthoses such as sub-malleolar orthoses (SMOs) to control both ground reaction forces and topdown spasticity driven forces and encourage a more fluid gait pattern than could ever be achieved with traditional AFOs. Available in sizes from nine months through to teens, KiddieGAIT™? promises to be a very useful tool. Enquiries: Telephone 0121 475 1101, email marketing@gilbert-mellish.co.uk or visit www.gilbert-mellish.co.uk.
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PRODUCTS
STROKE REHABILITATION OTTO Bock’s stroke product range has been developed in close collaboration with professionals and therapists to ensure both optimal function and wearing comfort. The main focus in all stroke rehabilitation is to reintegrate people in to their social and professional environments, and all products in our Stroke Range are designed to facilitate active movement. Our rehabilitation products include the Neurexa Line: • Omo Neurexa shoulder brace (pictured) • Genu Neurexa knee brace • Manu Neurexa wrist brace The WalkOn Range, for users with drop foot and peroneal palsy, includes: • WalkOn • WalkOn Flex • WalkOn Trimable Otto Bock also offers a choice of Stance Phase Control Orthoses in both mechanical and electronic forms. Freewalk – a mechanical orthosis that locks the knee joint during the stance phase and disengages itself for the swing phase, E-Mag Active – the first electronically controlled system knee joint with controlled stance phase and free swing phase that works independently from the ankle joint and foot sole.
Enquiries: Telephone 0845 430 1231
REED MEDICAL ADD DIABETIC/ HEALTHY SOCKS TO RANGE AS a major orthopaedic footwear manufacturer Reed Medical understands the importance of supporting the feet during daily activity. We are also aware of the importance of socks for support and prevention of injury, particularly to the diabetic foot. Reed now offer specially designed diabetic/healthy socks which provide: • An even fit which is not susceptible to creasing. • No elastic cuff which can hinder blood circulation in the calf. • A smooth closure by hand linked toes. • Sizes 35 to 46 available in a range of colours. Socks manufactured using a combination of materials; cotton, amicor (cotton/acrylic), silver fibre and wool ensure comfortable fit while helping to limit foot problems. Enquiries: Telephone 01254 503333, email: info@reedmedical.co.uk or visit www.reedmedical.co.uk
LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTIVE HELMETS
AS part of the new Quadrastep System range, Littlesteps, provide an affordable alternative to paediatric custom orthoses. Littlesteps, pre fabricated foot orthoses, are specifically designed for kids to deliver a prescription based correction, closely matching the criteria of traditional custom devices. Features include: • Neutral RF posting • Medium arch • Standard Depth Heel Cup Littlesteps are available in five paediatric sizes and priced at only £35 per pair. Enquiries: Telephone 01246 268456 or email info@quadrastepsystem.com
NEW - TRACCOLLAR TRACCOLLAR is a comfortable air powered neck traction collar that assists in relieving downwards pressure on spinal discs. The TracCollar is operated by two hand held bulbs. Each one inflates one side of the collar, thereby allowing the air chambers of the collar to be inflated to different levels. It is constructed of lightweight plastic foam and does not require assembly or batteries. Available in neck circumferences sizes. Professional price only £79.99 + VAT Enquiries: Contact Spinal Dynamics International Ltd on 01246 268456 or email info@spinaldynamicsinternational.com
INTRODUCING THE X-ROM 2
Scrum Type Helmet Sizes S M L Available in black with rear lace adjustment Firm sponge covered with Lycra/nylon Fastens with Velcro chin strap £39.05 + VAT Small: up to 56cm Medium: 56cm-58.5cm Large: 58.5cm and above
CHANECO’S X-ROM 2 features telescoping hinge bars which are easily adjustable to the required length (from 44cm–69cm), making this popular knee brace a true “one size fits all “ option.
Toppen 77 Sizes 46cm – 59cm Available in blue with red lining Constructed from soft sponge covered with Lycra/nylon Open sections on top of head for increased comfort Fastens with under chin strap £72.50+ VAT These helmets are not suitable for high risk activities, e.g. skateboard/cycling
This is a knee brace designed to be as easy to use as it is effective, with clip strap buckles for simple on/off fastening and strap locking tabs to eliminate strap slippage.
Enquiries: Telephone 0161 747 8728 or email mggilligan@hotmail.com
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The ROM hinge allows 0° to 120° flexion and -10° to +30° in extension, in 10° increments, while the one touch drop-lock provides lock out at -10°, 0°, 20° and 30°.
Patients will find the lightweight brace pleasant to wear, and the new silicone-coated breathable pads will keep them cool while preventing migration. Available in full and cool models, the X-ROM 2 is ideal for patients with conditions such as combined instabilities or injuries, Condylar or Tibial Plateau fractures and Patella Tendon or Osteochondral repairs. Enquiries: Telephone 01604 709999 or email info@chaneco.co.uk
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