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ISSUE 71 February/March 10 £6.95
Device puts spring back into step ... By Dominic Musgrave RESEARCHERS at an American university have developed a prosthetic device that puts the spring back into an amputee's step. The Arizona State scientists have developed and refined SPARKy (for spring ankle with regenerative kinetics) into an energy storing below-the-knee prosthesis. It is believed to be the first system to apply regenerative kinetics to its design, which results in a lightweight device that allows the wearer to walk on grass, cement and rocks, as well as ascend and descend stairs and inclines. Thomas Sugar, an associate professor of engineering who led the research, said it works by employing a spring to store energy as the wearer walks during normal gait. He added: “SPARKy basically removes the old passive devices and makes it an active device the wearer uses to attain normal gait, which for an amputee is a significant return to normal function.” SPARKy is not only an active prosthetic device, but it also allows a wider range of movement than previous devices, it weighs less and it causes less fatigue for the wearer. “It uses a robotic tendon to actively stretch
springs when the ankle rolls over the foot, allowing the springs to thrust or propel the artificial foot forward for the next step. “Because energy is stored, a lightweight motor is used to adjust the position of a finely tuned spring that provides most of the power required for gait.” SPARKy provides functionality with enhanced ankle motion and push-off power comparable to the gait of an able bodied individual, and Thomas said it had reached its primary goal of returning the functionality of the amputee to his/her status prior to losing a limb. He added: “The device is built to take advantage of the functional mechanics of gait. A gait cycle is the natural motion of walking, starting with the heel strike of one foot and ending with the heel strike of the same foot. “The cycle can be split into two phases, stance and swing. We are concerned with storing energy and releasing energy (regenerative kinetics) in the stance phase.” In the future, the team plans to make additional improvements to lower the weight of SPARKy further by integrating faster microprocessors and using smaller lithium ion batteries.
Fashionista Gok Wan gave makeovers to three women with various disabilities for his latest Channel 4 series. In How to Look Good Naked ... With a Difference the television presenter met three women with zero body confidence, including 44-year-old mother of three Clare Smith, an amputee who lost her lower left leg in a motorbike accident but does not like to wear her prosthetic limb.
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New knee joint under development By Dominic Musgrave
and stairs.
A NEW kind of artificial knee joint that could help people with limb amputations walk more naturally is under development at a Scottish university.
The research and development initiative is being funded by the Ministry of Defence’s Science, Innovation and Technology Department (SIT).
Academics at the National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics at Strathclyde are investigating whether Nitinol, a 'memory metal', can be developed for use in thermo-mechanical muscles to actively power artificial knee joints.
Sandra Sexton, director of the National Centre, said: "Shape memory alloys have many uses, from helping to reduce aircraft engine noise, to developing spectacles that don't lose their shape.
If successful, the technology will help replace lost muscle function, helping the user to walk with a natural gait and making it easier to navigate hills
“The funding from the Ministry of Defence will enable us to look at how its properties can be used to develop new kinds of thermo-mechanical muscles. “Our end goal is to use a lightweight memory metal to
create a new kind of artificial joint that will reduce fatigue and create a better walking experience for users.” It is hoped any new designs evolving from the work will help people with lower leg amputations, including servicemen injured by landmines or gunshot.
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The research will be led by Dr Emma Henderson, an expert in memory metal, and will be conducted in collaboration with Dr Arjan Buis. The mechanical muscle project is one area of research where the National Centre expects to see growth within its research profile.
Sandra Sexton
Fresh approach to bone health services PEOPLE who suffer from falls are set to benefit from a fresh approach to falls and bone health services in Sheffield. The new Integrated Falls and Bone Health Pathway is designed to improve the way in which patients are identified, referred, assessed, and treated, by making it clearer to staff and patients which services are available and how and when they can access them. One in three people over 65 who live in their own homes in the UK suffer from a fall each year, and the new approach is part of NHS Sheffield’s contribution to reducing this number.
BHTA director general Ray Hodgkinson has been made an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list for services to the healthcare industry.
Gill Agar, a clinical specialist physiotherapist who has been leading the redesign for NHS Sheffield, said: “I started by consulting patients and visiting current services to see if anything could be improved and to
ensure national guidelines and standards were being met. “People told me that there needed to be a more joined-up system where patients who had fallen were identified and treated more quickly and effectively. “The new approach means a clearer procedure for clinicians and those working with older people to follow, which will allow them to enter patients into the system much more easily. This is likely to lead to a reduced number of recurrent falls, injuries and fractures and fewer admissions to care homes.” Also involved in the new approach will be more of a focus on bone health, with checks made on patients to find out if they are at risk of osteoporosis, so they can then receive treatment to prevent possible fractures.
Contacts Editorial Andrew Harrod Group Editor editorial@assistivetechnologies.co.uk Dominic Musgrave Healthcare Editor Email: dm@whpl.net Tel: 01226 734407 Sales Ellen Sharp Email: es@whpl.net Tel: 01226 734412
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Studio Manager Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all contents, the publishers do not accept liability for any error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010
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Sock designed to reduce ‘phantom pain’ NEWS
A SOCK designed to reduce “phantom pain” for amputees has been trialled by medics in Edinburgh. Ninety per cent of patients at Astley Ainslie Hospital in Morningside testing the Relax Night socks reported a reduction in pain. And 80 per cent of amputees at the prosthetics department within the south-east mobility and rehabilitation technology services (SMART) centre said they experienced less sleep disruption at night. David Robertson, 71, had his left leg amputated below the knee 20 years ago, and has had phantom pain ever since. He said: “I’ve noticed a big difference since I started using the sock because I can now get to sleep at night. I used to have severe pain which kept me awake.” Elaine McCurrach, prosthetist at the hospital, added: “Some of our amputees have severe phantom pain, which can have a very negative effect on their quality of life. “We are delighted to show that this product is an effective drug-free treatment for night-time phantom pain and to be able to make it available for all suitable patients.”
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Pioneering bionic fingers developed in Britain THE world’s first powered bionic fingers which allow patients with damaged hands to bend, touch, pick-up and point have been developed in Britain. Created by the company behind award winning bionics such as the iLIMB Hand, the custom-made motorised ProDigits, are directly controlled by the brain but require no surgery. The partial hand amputee population that could benefit from the new prosthesis is estimated at around 52,000 in the EU and 1.2m worldwide. Phil Newman, marketing director of manufacturer Touch Bionics, said: “There has been no solution like this for the partial hand amputee community. The ProDigits provide a powered device with a grip and it has returned these people to a level of functionality and independence. “It is supporting a community that has never had support before.” The fake digits, which are covered in a hi-tech robotic skin, are controlled by ‘myoelectric sensors’ which register signals from any muscles
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Maria Antònia Iglesias holds an object
that remain in the hand. Alternatively, they can be activated by a touch pad. Patients can choose from a range of coverings including natural looking ‘livingskin’. One of the first people to be fitted with the fingers, which cost between £35,000 and £45,000, was former concert pianist Maria Antònia Iglesias, who underwent amputation of all extremities following an illness in July 2003. She told Assistive Technologies that
the new device has given her functionality she previously struggled to achieve, such as writing, holding cutlery and drinking from a glass. Maria Antònia added: “I am very pleased to be part of this project and the benefits my new hand is giving me are like a dream. “Even a simple thing like holding and lifting a glass of water to drink from was impossible before, but with ProDigits I can do it easily.”
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An English company is helping Heather Mills to perform on ITV show Dancing on Ice. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
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How Bob helped Heather with her ice challenge BOB Watts, MD of Dorset Orthopaedic, first met Heather Mills in 1993 after she lost her leg in a collision with a police motorbike. He also worked with her a couple of years ago when she competed in the American version of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘Dancing with Stars’. He told Assistive Technologies that her latest competition created a number of challenges for him. Bob added: “The last few months have been a real learning curve for me. The most important thing is the socket because Heather is spending many hours a week training on the ice, and if it is uncomfortable then she will have to leave it off a couple of days, which isn’t possible. “We needed to come up with something that could stand up to it, and it can take a couple of months for the residual limb to shrink down to get the best socket. “Heather has to put her residual limb into ice at night to cool it down, and then needs to wear a bandage to ensure that it doesn’t get bigger again, otherwise the prosthetic won’t fit.” He took advice from experts in a variety of countries including Sweden. America and Australia before settling on which limb to use. Bob added: “The only information I
could find was on ice-hockey players, but their skates are set up differently because they need to go from a stand still to quick movement so a lot of focus is on the inside edge. “After trying several options we opted for the Otto Bock Dynamic Variflex because of the way it went into the skating boot and allowed her to skate more smoothly. “Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill also wanted her to look the same as all the other celebrities because they felt it could work both ways with the general public when it came to the voting.” And Bob has already had to make a second limb for her because she has lost so much weight that her residual limb has shrunk. He added: “On one of the shows Heather was complaining that the original prosthetic was feeling heavy, which it does if it is not fitted tightly. I took her a new one up when she was training and she said she was highly delighted with it. “She is quite a strong-willed person which I think can put people off, and being from the North East she tells it how it is, which some people take offence to. “When you work with her you see a different side of her, and her focus is unbelievable, and it always amazes me how she can concentrate for such long periods. To her nothing is unachievable.”
An answer to young Lydia’s plea BOB has also fitted a new leg for a Marine who is running the London Marathon for a second time, after receiving a letter from an eight-year-old girl.
Bob said: “I’ve known Lydia for a few years and when she wrote to me asking for my help I couldn’t really say no, especially as Ben has put his life on the line for his country.
Lydia Cross lost both her legs to meningitis when she was two, and wrote to Bob asking for help for Ben McBean, who lost his right leg and left arm in a Taliban landmine blast.
“Last year he did the London Marathon, but what he didn’t know at the time was that his socket was a bit loose, which left him in an awful lot of pain, and the residual limb was in a real poor condition.
Last year he ran the Marathon but suffered from blisters, prompting Lydia to ask for help after meeting him during a visit to Headley Court.
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“I fitted him recently and he was outside running up and down really comfortably.”
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Christian Kandlbauer
Christian ‘just has to think what he wants arms to do’ AN Austrian man who lost both arms in an industrial accident four years ago can sense temperature, identify rough and smooth surfaces and feel the strength of a handshake with his artificial hand. And Christian Kandlbauer has also passed his driving test using the Otto Bock artificial arms, which are the first to transmit sensory perceptions back to the brain via nerve tracts. The 23-year-old lost both arms in September 2005 after being zapped by 20,000 volts. He underwent complex surgery that relocated many of his nerves before becoming the first man to be fitted with the intelligent artificial limbs. Now Christian just has to think what he wants his arms to do. The thought creates an electrical impulse in his nerve endings that powers the artificial limb. Head of the Mind-Controlled Arm project Dr Hubert Egger said: “Micro-sensors that record the temperature, gripping strength and surface characteristics of the object being gripped are integrated into the
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tip of the index finger on the prosthetic hand. “A microchip translates the measured data into suitable stimuli and transmits them to actuators on the skin. These generate natural stimuli for the receptors of the sensory nerve fibres, restoring sensory perception in the brain: As before the amputation, the prosthesis wearer feels with the index finger of the natural hand.” The prosthesis with sensory perception is a prototype, and researchers expect further development to take approximately four years. But the mind-controlled prosthesis is ready for everyday use, and Christian wears it on the left side. On the right he uses the DynamicArm®, a musclecontrolled arm prosthesis that captures electric currents generated by muscle contractions using electrodes on the skin and translates them into control signals for the prosthesis. He drives to his job at a warehouse in a car that has been specially modified for him.
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Pioneering knee surgery which uses a computer to guarantee perfectly aligned joints is being spearheaded by a Sunderland hospital. Dominic Musgrave reports
New knee surgery technique enables patients to return home earlier THE new procedure enables patients to return home earlier following less demanding physiotherapy, and also helps to protect implants from wearing through misalignment. Businessman Stan Lamb, who has helped grow his company Solvent Resource Management Ltd into a multi-million pound organisation, was one of the first patients to undergo the pioneering surgery. For five years, the 63-year-old had been hampered with a badly arthritic right knee which resulted in him becoming all but deskbound. Being forced to manage across three chemical plants demands his mobility and, therefore, he was referred to a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Washington Hospital. Stan said: “The pain was too great
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to dismiss and I had to resort to a walking aid to get around. “My job is demanding, and I’m often required to climb storage tank stairs to aid inspection of the chemical plants – and I also need to interact with the whole workforce, including administration, operational and engineering professionals. “This meant that I needed to be highly mobile. I knew that surgery was the only option available, and I was keen to get on my feet quickly with minimal disruption.” During consultation with consultant Lee Longstaff, Stan was informed about a new operation for knee replacement surgery that could improve accuracy of the operation and his longer-term prognosis. The computer-aided knee replacement surgery can
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rehabilitate patients quicker as it provides greater visualisation for surgeons to better align and position the knee implant. Using a computer connected to a surgical infrared camera, the consultant can track and monitor the operation to ensure increased accuracy. Lee said: “Stan was a suitable candidate as he is still fairly young and wanted to get back to work quickly. Longer term outcomes are also likely to be improved due to more accurate alignment Mr Lamb can be quickly rehabilitated.” He underwent surgery on September 5 last year and was back at home three days later. He returned to work six weeks after the procedure. Apprehensive about the operation, Stan was reassured when he was given an in-depth explanation
Stan Lamb
about what the operation entailed. Post-surgery, he was assessed and allowed to return home. He now undergoes regular physiotherapy sessions to help ensure the knee is functioning properly.
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Using running-specific prosthetic legs gives ‘no performance advantage’
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AMPUTEES who use running-specific prosthetic legs have no performance advantage over counterparts who use their biological legs, it has been claimed. The study by six American researchers was spurred when Oscar Pistorius, a bilateral amputee, was banned by the International Association of Athletics Federations from competing in the 400 metres at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and other ablebody races. They claimed that his Ossur made Cheetah Flex-Foot prostheses provided significant advantages over non-amputee competitors, agreeing with other studies that found prostheses reduce the energy cost of running. In addition, some have also suggested that the lighter weight of specially designed sport prostheses results in a quicker swing of the leg.
Oscar Pistorius
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Rodger Kram, of CU-Boulder’s department of integrative physiology and its Locomotion Laboratory, said data in the study included new measurements taken from an analysis of six unilateral amputees.
He added: “We have already shown that Pistorius runs differently in terms of his biomechanics. Now we have much more clear evidence that his prosthetic legs incur significant disadvantages. “We found that Pistorius and the other amputee sprinters have leg swing times for both their prosthetic and biological legs that are very similar to those of Usain Bolt. “We think the amputees learn that swinging their legs rapidly can help to partially compensate for their force disadvantage.” The researchers measured forces exerted on the ground and leg “swing times” while the unilateral amputees ran on a high-speed treadmill at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital. The running-specific prostheses impaired the force production of runners by an average of nine per cent. Force production is generally believed to be the key factor behind running speed. No differences in leg swing times were measured. One of Ridger’s undergraduate students, Matt Beale, also analysed video from the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Tree branch study could bring better bone repairs for children By Dominic Musgrave A STUDY into why tree branches buckle or split rather than break cleanly could help orthopaedic surgeons do a better repair job on children’s broken bones. Children are prone to what doctors term “greenstick fractures” – their bones do not break cleanly; they break halfway across then split longitudinally. Tree branches do the same. Dr Roland Ennos and his team at The University of Manchester are analysing tree branches to find out why they do this. He said: “The cell structure in wood is like lots of drinking straws packed together along the branch. So branches are stiffer along their length than side-toside. When you try to snap them, you apply longitudinal and transverse pressure. This stretches one side of the branch and compresses the other. “Denser wood has thicker-walled cells so the application of force causes the branch to break halfway across then split along its length, as the low transverse tensile strength diverts the crack longitudinally.” The theoretical study will be followed by a practical study on three different woods: willow, ash and hazel. He added: “I remembered children’s bones were susceptible to ‘greenstick fracture’, breaking and splitting in exactly the same way. When I read
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through the literature, no one knew why. “It appears that the crystals in bone are oriented in the same way, longitudinally along the bone, like the cells in wood are. “Adult bones are heavily remodeled by being dissolved and laid down again, so the crystals in their bones lie in different directions. Bones are remodeled to stop cracks from developing – the crystals dissolve and are re-laid in those places. Children’s bones have not had time to do that. This is something we could study further with an orthopaedic surgeon.” Dr Ennos came up with the idea for the study on a walk through the woods near his home in Buxton, Derbyshire. He added: “I was walking through our local wood and breaking twigs off trees and wondering why they were breaking in these two particular ways. The cells are arranged this way in order to draw water up and along branches and the minor downside is that they are more prone to buckling or splitting. But wood is a marvelous material, the best in the world, better than steel or plastic. “We ought to return to an age of wood, in my opinion. We have a feel for wood that goes back to our early ancestors, when we used to cut branches off trees to make into spears and other tools. Understanding precisely how it works should help us design the tools of the future.”
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Tracking technology idea for mobility scooters By Dominic Musgrave MOBILITY scooters could be fitted with tracking technology to help older and vulnerable people leave their homes without fear of getting lost. Researchers at De Montfort University, Leicester and the University of Lincoln aim to develop a device that fits into scooters and updates local authority care providers of the person’s location using mobile phone technology. DMU’s Dr Eric Goodyer and Dr Amr Ahmed, of the University of Lincoln, are leading the project, entitled ‘Integrating mobility vehicles and devices with smart homes’, which is funded by a £40,000 Higher Education Collaboration (HEI) Grant from the Transport innovation Network (iNet). Dr Goodyer said: “We do not want people’s homes to become prisons.
We want to extend home-based telecare into mobile telecare devices so that support can still be available when older people go out of the house and they can continue living normal lives in the community. “During this project we will develop an electronic device that fits neatly into a standard mobility scooter, and will monitor the user’s location and well-being. “The device will connect to the remote care provider using mobile phone technology and a tracker device will be used to locate them. “Once they return home the device will then connect the mobility scooter into the user's home telecare network using a private radio connection.” The device will enable care staff to locate the person should an emergency arise while they are away from their home and then send
assistance to them. Dr Ahmed added: “The digital era and the increasing number of online services mean that more support is available to help older people maintain a lifestyle that is as independent as possible. This support should cover not only activities within the house, but those outside it as well. “We will explore the support that technology can offer older people in going out and doing common activities such as shopping. “Given the availability of various sensors and assistive home networks, integrating those and effectively communicating with them would provide assistance and encouragement for older people to continue enjoying a healthy social life.” Dr Goodyer and Dr Ahmed will also explore the feasibility of developing a
Dr Eric Goodyer
generic hardware and software interface that could be used in mobile telecare devices to ensure there is an open standard.
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Company launches new fabrication service ONE of the country’s leading orthopaedic companies has expanded to offer a custom fabrication service. Blackburn-based Beagle Orthopaedic’s new workshop will be managed by director Andy Dewsbury and production manager Steve Hague, who have more than 50 years’ orthotic fabrication experience between them. Andy has previously worked at Remploy Healthcare and the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt orthopaedic hospital in Shropshire, and has been at Beagle since August, planning and equipping the workshop as well as researching the market with the sales team. He said: “We have set up the custom fabrication workshop to complement the stock products that we already supply, which will make us into a one-stop shop. “We are offering a full range of custom made orthoses including foot and ankle orthotics and a modern range of spinal bracing. We have also developed our new Evolution range of state-of-the-art foot orthoses. “We shall also be offering a laser scanning service later this year. Beagle has already built up a good reputation for customer service and, as well as the standard five-day turnaround, we can also offer a three-day express delivery if required.” Steve Hague has worked for several leading
Boccia champion Nigel Murray tries out a new piece of equipment
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New fitness suite opened The new workshop at Beagle Orthopaedic
orthopaedic manufacturers, including Medicare, Chas. Blatchford, Talar Made and Langer UK. Beagle’s MD Len Lloyd said: “Our company is predominantly set up to bring value to the market, and we shall do this by selling high quality products backed up with strong educational support. “We are one of only two companies in the country to manufacture orthopaedic soft goods, and we only use UK suppliers for raw materials, so we are assured of the quality throughout the whole manufacturing process. “We have a strategic objective to grow into new markets, as well as bringing innovation to the existing segments. Our intention is to grow both organically and through acquisitions, with particular emphasis on the latter.”
TRIPLE Paralympic medal winner Nigel Murray officially opened the new disabled access fitness suite at the University of Warwick. The university’s sports centre has been awarded Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accreditation after investing in staff training and equipment that can be used by disabled people and non-disabled. It has invested in excess of £30,000 in new equipment including a handbike, a cable crossover machine and a new treadmill. Director of physical education and sport Terry Monnington said: “We are delighted that we have been given IFI accreditation, we have invested heavily in making sure we are providing some of the best facilities for disabled and non-disabled people. “Getting this accreditation is vitally important as we are potentially going to be an Olympic and Paralympic training camp. It is fantastic that we had Nigel and one of our regular centre users John Silke here to help us celebrate.”
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Occupational therapist suspended for a year AN occupational therapist has been suspended for a year due to a lack of competence. A panel of the HPC Conduct and Competence Committee heard how Khaleda Zaman had weekly supervised sessions while working at Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust after difficulties emerged in her patient documentation and clinical reasoning abilities. They heard that complaints were later made about her performance while working in both the stroke rehabilitation and acute medical wards. The Panel further heard that the problems persisted without improvement to the end of the rotation, and that she was offered extra support and a reduction in patient numbers and case complexity. Panel chair Colin Allies said: “The Panel finds that Khaleda Zaman’s reflections in her patient notes were incomplete, lacked detail and did not have background information” “The Panel is satisfied that these wide-ranging and fundamental shortcomings demonstrated a comprehensive lack of competence, she simply lacked core skills.”
System launched A NEW garment-based electrical muscle stimulation system which claims to accelerate rehabilitation for those recovering from serious knee conditions has been launched in the UK. Kneehab, which was designed by electrotherapy technology company Neurotech in association with the University College of Dublin’s School of Physiotherapy, works by re-educating and strengthening the quadriceps muscle through programmable cycles of contraction and relaxation. It is available from Mobilis Rolyan for direct purchase or monthly hire.
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Video game boost for disabled teens REMOTELY monitored in-home virtual reality video games are improving hand function and forearm bone health in teenagers with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, American university researchers claim. Meredith Golomb, an associate professor of neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine, who is leading the study, said customised videogames are helping youngsters perform activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, cooking, and other tasks for which two hands are needed. She said: “While these initial encouraging results were in teens with limited hand and arm function due to perinatal brain injury, we suspect using these games could similarly benefit individuals with other illness that affect movement, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, arthritis and even those with orthopedic injuries affecting the
A resident playing one of the games as part of the trial
arm or hand.
hand function.
“Popular off-the-shelf games are targeted to people with normal hand and arm function and coordination. These games don’t work for or benefit those with moderate-severe hemiplegic cerebral palsy and many other disorders that affect movement.
Meredith added: “Popular off-theshelf games are targeted to people with normal hand and arm function and coordination.
“They just aren’t made to be used by or improve hands that can’t pinch or grasp.” The three study participants were asked to exercise the affected hand about 30 minutes a day, five days a week using a specially fitted sensor glove linked to a remotely monitored videogame console installed in their home. Games, such as one making images appear were custom developed at another university, calibrated to the individual teen’s hand functionality, included a screen avatar of the hand, and focused on improvement of whole
“These games don’t work for or benefit those with moderate-severe hemiplegic cerebral palsy and many other disorders that affect movement. They just aren’t made to be used by or improve hands that can’t pinch or grasp. “In the future, physical therapists could remotely monitor patients’ progress and make adjustments to the intensity of game play to allow progressive work on affected muscles. In addition to meeting an unfulfilled need, this could potentially also save money and time.” The research was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (part of the National Institutes of Health) and by the Clarian Values Fund.
New surgeon appointed in Lincolnshire PATIENTS in Lincolnshire with broken bones and limb deformities are benefiting from the appointment of a new surgeon. Senbaga Needhirajan has recently started work as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Lincoln County Hospital and as well as working in general orthopaedics and
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trauma, he will also be working in the area of paediatric orthopaedics and limb reconstruction for children. He trained in Wessex and completed fellowship programmes in Reading and Sheffield as well as at the renowned Lizarov centre in Russia. Senbaga said: “In Sheffield I was trained to manage paediatric trauma
and orthopaedic problems, and particularly on the correction of limb deformities in children using frames. “The use of frames to mend multiple long bone fractures or to help people with conditions such as club foot or limb deformities is very specialist, but also very effective.”
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Call for banks to step up and support companies
Flexyfoot improves grip of aids
TOUCH Bionics has completed an £800,000 loan to help expansion following the launch of the world’s first bionic fingers.
can hamper progress needlessly – it’s time for the banks to step-up and start supporting profitable fast-growth companies.”
FLEXYFOOT is a new ferrule that uses the same shock absorbency devices as top-ofthe-range 4x4 vehicles.
Touch Bionics’ prosthetic products include LIVINGSKIN, the high-definition cosmesis that closely resembles natural skin; ProDigits, the world’s first bionic fingers; and the i-LIMB Hand, a fullhand prosthesis with fully articulating fingers that both looks and acts like a real hand.
It hugely improves the grip of aids, leaving users feeling significantly more stable and reducing falls markedly.
Archangel Informal Investment Ltd, who have supported the company since its inception, has arranged the deal following the launch of ProDigits in December. Touch Bionics CEO Stuart Mead said: “Touch Bionics, like so many
companies, has myriad financial considerations as it grows and brings new products to market. “Many companies in a growth position such as ours are in a challenging spot expanding into new markets and hiring additional staff in order to meet growing demand requires funding. “Yet the banks are hesitant to provide funding because they’re still risk averse as a result of the financial crisis. This
Varied programme at BAPO conference THE Friday programme at the annual BAPO conference has a ‘what to do if’ feel about it, and features a talk by Dr Judy Ormrod on dealing with violence and aggression within the clinical work place. Paediatric consultant Dr Rachael Hutchinson will be describing the changes that she has made in her own trust in respect to prescribing insoles and heel cups for children with asymptomatic flat feet. And Bilateral amputee Darren Swift, who has worked as a film and TV extra and action performer for the last 17
years, will be giving a talk on his life and experiences as an amputee. His current project is trying to develop a snowboard bindings system that will enable himself and others with double lower limb amputations to participate efficiently and effectively. Saturday’s programme is packed full of orthotic and prosthetic talks, and will again feature interactive workshops featuring Steve Osborne, Paul Charlton and Mike Grice. Steve will present on strapping and manipulation techniques for the feet, Paul on the assessment of hemiplegia and Mike a practical
session on biomechanical screening. Other speakers include Dr Rob Forsyth, senior lecturer and consultant in paediatric neurology at Newcastle University, who will speak on paediatric neurorehabilitation after acquired brain injury. Rod Heather and Alan Tanner will give a refresher on conventional limbs, while the topic of stump will be explored and discussed by Nicola Tebbutt, a specialised physiotherapist in amputee rehabilitation and Lesley Robinson, vascular nurse. The event once again takes place at the De Vere Hotel in Bolton on March 5 and 6.
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Users on a trial conducted by the independent A-T Care praised the grip, comfort, safety and reduction in arm and shoulder pain. Flexyfoot uses a patented sealed plastic bellows: the air inside is pressurised during each step. Shock is progressively absorbed as the bellows is squeezed. The bellows simultaneously flex so that the tread is always in full contact with the ground to maximise grip and wear resistance – just like a car’s suspension and tyre. In tests, Flexyfoot had 50 per cent more grip than a standard ferrule and lasted 50 per cent longer.
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NEWS
Revamped catalogue doubles the choice ... THE revamped Tivoli footwear catalogue from Remploy Healthcare is now available, showcasing more than double the previous choice of colours, styles and soles for both men and women. With detailed illustrations of the full and extended Tivoli range, which has risen from 64 to 120, the new catalogue contains a quick reference colour and style chart and easy to use measurement guides for better
specification and improved fit. Designed to address the market’s demand for style and fashion as well as quality, support and comfort, the Tivoli footwear range includes formal and casual boots, shoes and trainers, as well as an extensive selection of specialist diabetic footwear and soles In addition to the existing range of sole options and colours, Remploy Healthcare can now offer new rheumatoid and contour lasts.
Invacare scoops prestigious award INVACARE has scooped the prestigious ‘Partnership with the NHS/Academia Award’ at the MediWales Innovation ceremony, held recently in Cardiff. The Bridgend-based company won the award for its innovative Homefill oxygen concept, a portable filling system that allows the patient to fill oxygen cylinders and be supplied with oxygen via the concentrator at the same time. With this new system patients can have an unlimited supply of oxygen, without the fuss and hassle of handling liquid oxygen cylinders. A significant benefit of using the
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Invacare Homefill system also means a reduction in the production and transportation costs compared to the traditional method. Working in partnership with Dolby Medical and the NHS, Invacare developed a patient trial in Scotland and then delivered 200 units to patients when there was a shortage of oxygen cylinders. The trial aimed to introduce an innovative system to improve patient care and to decrease costs of the current service. During the same period Invacare launched the Homefill in Ireland with excellent clinical and patient feedback.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010
Symposium looks at knee replacement developments By Dominic Musgrave
this field.
SURGEONS from across the country joined experts at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre to discuss partial knee replacement techniques and developments in the treatment of arthritis of the knee.
”We have a wealth of expertise at the hospital with consultants who have a long-standing reputation in the research and development of new treatments for common conditions such as arthritis which have a considerable impact on our patients' lives.
The symposium was held in partnership with the University of Oxford, where important research programmes to understand the impact of knee replacement or surgical repair on the disease are underway as part of the Biomedical Research Unit studies. The conference looked at the surgical options, highlighting some of the indications from the research being undertaken to reduce the risks of knee replacement and to identify early interventional treatments that may delay or prevent progression of osteoarthritis. Specialist consultant knee surgeon Andrew Price said: “There is a longstanding collaboration between many surgeons with an interest in
"It is very important that we are able to share our expertise, and the symposium provided a platform for leading surgeons to debate some of the issues around partial knee replacement in patients with arthritis." Studies by consultant orthopaedic surgeons at the NOC are focusing on therapies to prevent arthritis developing or to slow its progress. In addition, work at the Biomedical Research Unit involves the design and introduction of new knee implants, which it is hoped will provide patients with improved knee function following replacement surgery.
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Students gather for conference
The winners
Joint win for Halina and Sarah HALINA Baker and Sarah Pickles were named joint winners of the physiotherapist of the year nominated by patients award at a ceremony in London. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s annual event at the Hotel Russell celebrated members’ outstanding contributions to the profession. Halina was nominated for her inspirational work as a pulmonary
rehabilitation programme physio at James Cook University hospital in Middlesbrough, while Sarah, a community physiotherapist at Broadmeadow Health Centre in Birmingham, was nominated by the family of a patient with Parkinson's disease and dementia for making a ‘significant difference’ to their lives.
Laura Goldie took the newcomer prize for her work at a private clinic in Peterborough and with a local charity for disabled people.
Nicola Hunter won the physiotherapist of the year award nominated by professionals, while
Three CSP members also received distinguished service awards for outstanding contributions.
And Danielle Freeth, who works as a technical instructor grade two at a regional limb centre in the Wexham Park hospital, Slough was named support worker of the year.
STUDENTS from eight universities gathered in Teesside for the Northern and Yorkshire Regional Occupational Therapy Student conference. The event, which is in its second year, had the theme of holism, a core philosophy of occupational therapy. Speakers included Marg Foster, coeditor of Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction, Dr Sheena Blair from Glasgow Caledonian university and Claire Smith from Teesside university. Third year student Aisling Durkin, who organised the conference along with Genevieve Butler and Linda Henson, said: “The conference and workshops are important as they help students to improve their knowledge of occupational therapy, as well allowing the student to network and going towards the professional portfolio. This year’s event gave students the opportunity to listen to prominent speakers and take part in a range of workshops run by clinicians, academics and students. “Holism is considered to be a very important part of our interactions with clients. It involves looking at every aspect of the person from the social aspect to the physiological and psychological too.”
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NEWS
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ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
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Feeling the benefit of move THE Langer Group of companies have relocated to a new purposedesigned location in Staffordshire. The RX division, established in 1990, has moved from Wellington, TMCustom, acquired from Talar Made in 2009, from Chesterfield and Langer, established in 1985 from Cheadle to the site in Stone. Each division will continue to manufacture in their own particular way, with RX utilising entirely hand poured casting and rectification processes, Langer a combination of hand poured and scanned and milled product, and TM Custom entirely scanned and milled products. Managing director Adrian Bishop said the move has resulted in the company recruiting approximately 15 extra staff, taking the total employed at Stone to over 60. He added: “We will continue to run the three divisions separately but under one roof, with only shipping, customer service and finance having shared personnel and facilities. After closing all manufacturing in the middle of December, we reopened the new laboratory on January 4 with all new plant and machinery supplied by German company Mebus. We are already seeing the benefits of the new machinery in both product quality and speed of manufacture.”
“The build up of orders during the extended shutdown lead to a significant increase in turnaround time for all three divisions, but the vast majority of our customers were very understanding and at the start of February we are on track to maintain the guaranteed 10-day inlab turnaround going forwards.” Combining the companies as one group brings together more than 50 years’ manufacturing experience and the opportunity to offer an unrivalled range of custom products. Adrian continued: “Whatever type of device is required we can now manufacture it, from RX devices firmly based in Rootian Biomechanics, through the traditional Langer orthoses to the direct milled approach of TM Custom.”
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010
The new group also has the capacity to manufacture AFO, KAFO and upper body orthoses utilising the advanced Scangogh scanner and Voram mill set-up. The introduction of new scanner technology has enabled the group to expand into Europe using agents in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Scandanavia, and Greece. The agent is provided with an advanced 3D scanner and local foot specialists send their casts or impression boxes to them. Once scanned they are e-mailed direct to Stone, along with the prescription or clinical investigation notes, and sent straight to the mill queue. This process takes around 3 days out of the turnaround time allowing us to return anywhere in Europe within 14 days. The group sees education as the
cornerstone of its business and is continuing with the established and respected RX Summer School, this year the theme is “Biomechanics in the 21st Century” using mainly UK based speakers. However, with the training facilities they now have in Stone they will be running monthly day sessions for up to 20 delegates at a time focusing on basic biomechanics and prescription writing. Adrian added: “We know there are a significant number of foot specialists who do not utilise orthotic treatments because they feel they have not had sufficient training – we intend to change that situation and at the same time build our custom orthotic business.” The move to Stone gives all three divisions an opportunity to re-focus and marks the start of a new era. Adrian continued: “Our approach has always been to strive for constant improvement of quality and service, and this investment of around £1.5m is an indication how serious we are. However, we also want to have fun in what we do, and this will be reflected in our stand at BAPO.” For more information on training courses or any other aspects of the business please contact Langer Group on 08456780182 or visit their website at www.lbguk.com.
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KIDS
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2009 winners Caitlin and Olivia Brough, 11-year-old twins from Marden Bridge Middle School in Whitley Bay, with Sharron Davies.
Ready Willing and Mobile ideas sought £1,000 is up for grabs for the winning school or club in the Mobility Roadshow’s sixth annual Ready Willing and Mobile competition. To celebrate National Young Disabled Persons’ Day on July 3, the event seeks bright ideas to help children with disabilities on the move – at home, at school and at play. To enter, all that is needed is a picture with a short description – what it is, how it works and how it
could help. Previous entries have included accessible sports and play equipment, accessories and tools, communication and shopping aids and funky lifestyle wheelchairs. There are two age categories 7 to 11 and 12 to 16, with a winner and runner-up in each age group. An outright winner is then chosen from the two age group winners. The outright winner receives £1,000 cash towards equipment or projects
for their school or club, art and crafts materials worth £250 and £100 worth of books. For themselves they bag an overnight stay for four at a top London hotel with a trip on the London Eye. Each of the two age category winners receives a digital camera, £50 worth of books and a VIP visit to the show at the East of England showground, Peterborough when the winners will be announced. Entries close on March 31.
Fitz Kidz are to exhibit their new range of Fast Fit DAFOs at the annual BAPO conference which takes place in Bolton on March 5 and 6. The devices offer the clinician a fully correctible foot alignment orthosis, an alternative to casting which provides a highstandard of fit and function that can be achieved in one clinical appointment. With their precision-moulded double shell for wrap-around control and extra heel stabilisation, they can provide effective and immediate treatment for patients who demonstrate instability during weightbearing. Orthotic practitioners and other visiting delegates will be able to view the new JumpStart range of Fast Fit DAFOs at Ortho Europe’s stand (number 79).
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Project examines the effects of sensory feedback By Dominic Musgrave
Dame Joan Bakewell opens the new building with MidTECH senior innovation manager Michael Smith, HDTI Coventry University director Simon Fielden and vice-chancellor professor Madeleine Atkins.
Dame opens £4.5m building DAME Joan Bakewell has officially opened Coventry University's new £4.5m Health Design and Technology Institute (HDTI) building. HDTI is working with businesses, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and users to develop products and services to improve the daily living of the ageing population, people with disabilities, and chronic illnesses. Dame Joan, the government's 'Voice of Older People', said: “Medicine, hygiene and social care increase our chances of totting up the years. But longevity for its own sake is not the appropriate objective. “What matters more is the quality of how those years are lived. Mere
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existence without any quality of life is not in itself to be valued. “The things that make life valuable are the same in your 80s and 90s as when you are younger: relative physical comfort, freedom from anxiety, fulfilling activity and the joys of family and friends. Anything that adds to these values will be benefiting the human race.” The new HDTI building, funded by a capital investment from Advantage West Midlands, includes a mock-up area where companies can test prototypes, a usability suite where new products can be evaluated by users, seminar rooms, a design studio, workshop and rentable office space for healthcare businesses.
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RESEARCHERS at Bradford University are working on a two-year project to examine the extent to which sensory feedback affects the performance of artificial limbs. It is hoped the project will lead to a better understanding of problems associated with existing prosthetic design and lead to improvements in mechanical function. Principle researcher Dr John Buckley said the improvements could be in the form of audio or vibrational signals integrated into the prosthetic to provide enhanced sensory cues to the wearer. He added: “If we determine vision is a key element, then we can incorporate other sensory signals into prosthetics. Very little work has been done on how the amount of control an amputee has over their prosthetic limb. With this research, we hope to determine whether incorporating design features that improve sensorimotor control is as important as working on design features that
improve mechanical function.” As well as examining the relationship between mechanical function and sensory feedback, the project aims to determine the extent to which the control of the artificial limb is reliant on visual cues by analysing how amputees negotiate obstacles on the floor when their lower vision is blocked. Dr Buckley said recent technological advancements have improved the performance of artificial limbs and made the understanding of the sensorimotor control of the wearer even more significant to their design. He added: “If we determine vision is a key element in controlling prosthesis, then we can incorporate other sensory signals into their design. When a limb is fully extended, vibrational or audio feedback could let the amputee know the limb can be loaded. Depending on the results of this research, we could develop shorterterm improvements that enhance prosthesis design.”
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Stepping away from a neutral position on normality ... By Greg Quinn
useful diagnostic information?
DIFFERENCES in diagnostic judgment will always exist in healthcare.
Investigation of sub-talar neutral theory has revealed a number of telling flaws, and yet it still remains the examiner’s method of choice in the majority of cases.
It is said that if you ask a question of any two professionals you will get three opinions. Confirmatory tests are, of course, always available to support or exclude any conclusions and these can take many forms. A principle consideration of such tests is that results will tend to fall within an upper and lower limit of normal. It is the test results on the asymptomatic catchment population that define what those limits are i.e. 95 per cent of the results will fall between the two. This is the guiding principle behind all medical test results. How far from normal does an individual test result stray and does the result offer any
In fact the application of such a protocol assumes that 95 per cent of the population will fall within two standard deviations of a perfect alignment (meeting the nine criteria of normality). Quantifying foot morphology in this way is a tool for the removal of the influence of intrinsic ‘abnormal alignment’ that will help the patient to recover from musculo-skeletal pain. It often does, but what does one do when this approach fails? The foot, as for the rest of the body, generally conforms to a common
Five minutes with Paul Lawless, managing director, Salfordinsole
‘Listening to our ‘consumers’ is what permits us to evolve into the partner that they need’ How did your career in the industry begin? Quite suddenly, really, working directly with the team that wanted to bring the Salfordinsole project to life. It was quickly apparent that this was only the first of a line of potentially ground-breaking, fully researched, evidence based products that experts within the School of Podiatry had long wanted to develop. How have you ended up where you are today? Interest in the Salfordinsole system increased dramatically during 2009 (we now count in excess of 50 NHS Trusts and 400 private practices among our customers) and the only practical thing to do was to populate the business so that it could move forward. If you could make one recommendation to take the industry forward what would it be? In my opinion, the industry could only claim to be moving forward if it is finding better evidenced solutions to more problems, more cost effectively and (critically) for more people. Taken together, these are prerequisites of any project that we would undertake and would therefore have to be our recommendation to everybody else.
anatomical picture, incorporating as it does 26 bones, 114 ligaments and 20 muscles and so on. Variations do occur, but the ‘normal’ population share these similarities. However, the genetic evidence for morphological variation suggests that an individual’s physical characteristics are expressed via a molecular cascade of regulatory genetic events, and that the outcome is an expression of genetic inheritance i.e. an individual phenotype. For the foot, an inclusive range of such phenotypes may help us to define what we are comparing our patients feet to. The high level of expertise employed by researchers and clinicians in this field tends to follow a more ‘functional’ rather than ‘structural’ approach to foot biomechanics, and this is helpful. However, concepts such as planar dominance have taught us that structure can sometimes influence how the foot manifests positional
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Greg Quinn
changes as it functions. If we are to understand more about this relationship and derive a better understanding of what constitutes a normal alignment of the foot we should find an improved consensus in our approach to treatment planning. With any luck this will deliver something that we are all agreed on, an improvement in patient treatment outcomes. Greg is managing director of Talar Made, who design, manufacture and supply orthotics.
How have consumer requirements changed over the years? Consumers drive development by continuously (and correctly) demanding that the industry continually Paul Lawless moves forward. Innovation is critical which, in this industry, means finding better ways to solve the same problems, more quickly and more economically. For us, listening to our “consumers” is what permits us to evolve into the partner that they need, rather than what we think they need. How do you see the next 12 months panning out for your company? What is your goal? Our strategy involves the steady communication of our capabilities to the industry and to develop close relationships, at a personal level, with all the people that we deal with. This has worked well so far and has given us an extremely stable platform on which to build, with an expanding base of customers who are already excited about forthcoming additions to our range. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010
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SPORTS REHABILITATION
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A Leeds physiotherapist has landed her dream job treating one of Great Britain’s brightest medal hopes at the Winter Olympics. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
Physio Sarah realises Olympic dream SARAH McDowell has travelled with the women’s bobsleigh team to Vancouver for the Games, having travelled across America and Europe with them for the past six months. The passionate snowboarder, who is based at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Carnegie sports centre, was invited to join the backroom team by manager Alison Rose. Sarah told Assistive Technologies that working at the Olympics is a ‘dream come true’. She added: “I have really landed on my feet joining the team in an Olympic year, and it has always been my dream to go to a Winter Olympics as a physio. “The team’s lead, driver Nicola Minichello, worked with Alison a few years ago when she was a heptathlete of GB standard, and she got in touch with her last summer and asked her whether she could recommend a physio who had an interest in winter sports.
“Thankfully she thought of me and after I went for an interview to see whether the team liked me and me them, and it has gone from there. “They have had a successful winter, which has made it a lot easier, and it is nice to be going with a team that has a really good chance of getting a medal.” While she is away Sarah not only treats the team but is also their nutritionist, Pilates instructor, medic as well as being in charge of recording the runs for analysis. But the trip to Canada looked in doubt shortly before Christmas when Nicola lost 80 per cent vision in her left eye. Sarah added: “The main injuries I will have to treat are very much in common with what you would expect from a sprinter, because essentially that is what they are, with the only difference being that they are pushing something that weighs 200 kilos. “Things like tweaks or tightness to backs, hamstrings and calves are
The Great British women’s bobsleigh team and, inset, Sarah treats one of the team
the norm, as well as other treatments for G force that are similar to whiplash injuries because some courses, particularly in Germany, have bends that can leave them feeling like someone has been sat on their heads. “When Nicola lost the vision in her eye I had to quickly become an expert in ophthalmology. It isn’t a
common problem and usually affects young men, but thankfully she is fixed and all is ok now.” Sarah is now stranger to working with sports people, having previously worked with the GB racewalking team when they have their camp in Leeds and the university’s men’s rugby union first team.
Gym members using the KRANKcycle
Boost for wheelchair users A MIDDLESEX charity has installed an innovative piece of gym equipment designed specifically for those with no lower body mobility. Aspire National Training Centre has put in four Krankcycles in its gym to help people with limited or no lower body mobility still get a good workout. Introductory classes have been held to give members a chance to see how they can get the most out of the equipment. The Krankcycle is an advanced type of hand cycle, and using it involves rotating height adjustable cranks, giving the user both a cardiovascular and upper-body workout. Centre manager Rosie Williams said they are to be integrated into indoor 24
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cycling classes to create 'fusion' classes, so that people of all abilities can train together She added: “We introduced indoor cycling last year and we were extremely excited when we heard that Kranking was coming to the UK. "The Krankcycle will allow wheelchair users to have an inclusive fitness class with those taking part in indoor cycling. Our aim is to make exercise as inclusive for our members as we can and we were thrilled to receive training and expertise from the Krankcycle team.” The KRANKcycle has been brought to the UK by Matrix Fitness Systems and is the creation of Johnny G – the founder of spinning.
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Product launches at BAPO PEACOCKS Medical Group will launch two new products at the forthcoming BAPO conference and exhibition. The CDS range offers a complete set of extension and flexion braces for upper limb, knee and ankle using a unique force system, while the MKS system allows the clinician to mix and match componentry to create a semi bespoke solution to spinal bracing challenges. Sales and marketing manager Clive Mitchell said: “We have been working hard over the last two years to expand our exciting range of stock orthopaedic products. “We are very clear that a product has to offer some form of new innovation to either the clinician, or patient, for us to proceed. “With our stock contracture correction devices (CDS) and modular spinal solution (MKS), we believe we have achieved both objectives in abundance, delivering clinical efficacy and enhanced patient compliance”.
‘Meet the OT’ first at Naidex VISITORS to the annual Naidex exhibition will be able to ‘meet the OT’ for the first time in a new dedicated feature area. Offering the opportunity to interact with OTs from the Occupational Therapists in Independent Practice (CPTSS-IP), visitors to stand E56 at the Birmingham NEC show, which runs from April 20-22, will be able to ask questions and benefit from comprehensive knowledge and expertise. Chair Sharmin Campbell said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to have a presence at Naidex. We hope it will raise public awareness of independent occupational therapists and the services they offer. “We also look forward to providing helpful advice and assistance, ensuring that a visit to Naidex is even more worthwhile." Independent OTs will be on hand to fulfil a number of roles at the show, ranging from providing advice and information on products and services available to members of the public to answering enquiries regarding solutions and assisting with daily living, mobility, work and leisure related activities. They will also give expert opinions on products found at the show, and there
will be a directory on the stand where visitors can search for an independent OT based close to their home if they require advice or an assessment. Event director Liz Virgo added: “With 1000s of products on show, this is a fantastic way for members of the public to receive expert advice on the suitability of a particular product to their own specific requirements or that of a friend or relative. We believe this latest feature will further enhance the visitor experience.” The Occupational Therapists will be taking diary bookings throughout the duration of the show for individuals, families and groups who may have questions or need assistance in promoting further independence in aspects of daily life either for themselves or a loved one.
Diary dates February 23 – Jobskin sensory dynamic orthosis training course (Harrington Mill, Nottingham) February 24 – Jobskin premium training course (Harrington Mill, Nottingham) March 1-3 – Podiatry Managers exhibition (Moat House Hotel, Stoke-on-Trent) March 5-7 – BAPO (De Vere Whites Hotel, Bolton) March 9-10 – Health and Well Being at Work (Birmingham NEC) March 11 – Kidz in the Middle (Ricoh Arena, Coventry) March 25-26 – British Association of Surgery for the Knee March 30-31 – Care Show (Bournemouth International Centre)
Workshops and keynote speeches BRITPODS 2010 biomechanics conference sees the return of the highly successful combination of practical workshops and keynote speeches. This innovative approach delivers highly practical, hands-on clinical content. The learning outcomes may then be utilised immediately by the delegates in their own clinical environment.
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The UK speakers make best use of their clinical skills and knowledge drawn from a wealth of experience in both private and NHS clinics. They are present in each session to mentor the delegates in a practical setting, enabling questions to be posed and answered throughout the whole conference. The event takes place at Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham on June 12 and 13.
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PRODUCTS
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REED LAUNCH NEW PAEDIATRIC FOOTWEAR
DENOVO HEALTHCARE INTRODUCES NEW CATALOGUE
DEVELOPED to aid those children who would benefit from increased support around the ankle, the Stability Boots have an increased upper height to aid control.
DENOVO Healthcare Ltd has introduced its new Nimco catalogue to take its range of footwear to the next level. Since the introduction of Nimco’s innovative approach to footwear manufacture, the company has been able to supply thousands of shoes reliably and with the highest level of customisation The 2010 catalogue has been created to simplify all aspects of the ordering process, so creating the perfect pair has never been so easy. All 18 boot styles are now available in all sizes (18-45), with a choice of lace or velcro fastening, different colours, four different stiffener types and various soles. In addition to the new and exciting range, the company has also introduced a new selection of children’s shoes. For use when a boot may not be suitable or necessary, the new styles combine the same build quality with a design that complements the range. Enquiries: Telephone 01934 808416 or email sales@denovohealthcare.com
They also offer a unique combination of stiffening and padding that maintains good ankle support while offering comfort, particularly around the malleoli. The Anti-Toewalker boots contain a combination of site specific padding in both the upper and insole to improve propreaceptive input, while sole rigidity encourages a plantar grade stance. Wedge rocker soles aid corrective gait. Both boots are available in widths XXN, XN, N, S, and WIDE in sizes 27-40. A variety of styles and colours are offered as well as lace or velcro fastening. Modular options are also available. Enquiries: Telephone 01254 503333 or email info@reedmedical.co.uk
THE BENEFITS OF THE CTO BRACE THE benefits of Talar Made’s CTO brace: Highly effective immobilisation of cervical and upper thoracic spine. Posterior occipital section adjustable for length and angulation. Anterior mandibular cup adjustable for height and fore/aft position to ensure optimal fit and control. Unlimited adjustability allowing universal one size fits all. Provides category leading stabilisation and control of flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation. Removable, washable Coolmax liners Indications for use: • Stable lower cervical vertebral fractures • Post operative immobilisation • Cervical Spondylitis • Post trauma injury • RA and OA cervical spine Enquiries: Telephone 01246 268456 or email info@talarmade.com
®
ACTIMOVE GENUFLEX - NEW WRAP AROUND FUNCTIONAL HINGED KNEE BRACE INTRODUCING you to GenuFlex - the new wrap around functional hinged knee brace from BSN medical and latest addition to the Actimove® range of orthopaedic supports and braces. Actimove® GenuFlex is constructed from advanced breathable, neoprene-free fabric which provides effective compression and pain relief. The slim line, wrap around design makes it easy to apply and wear under normal clothes whilst preventing brace migration. Knee movements are guided anatomically by polycentric hinges, providing reassuringly safe knee support. Stabilisation: • Neoprene-free AirFlow™ material provides good compression • Advanced polycentric hinges guide knee movements anatomically, allowing full flexion while preventing hyperextension • Advanced counter-strap system reduces brace migration and rotation. Comfort: • Breathable, moisture transmitting AirFlow™ fabric • Snug, non-slip fit for enduring comfort and strong support • Open popliteal area prevents wrinkling and skin maceration • Molded hinges prevent pressure points • Latex free Design: • Wrap-around design for easy, convenient application • Patella opening helps correct positioning • Attractive and modern for enhanced patient compliance • Available in a range of sizes to suit all your patients, suffering from minor ligament instabilities of the knee, chronic meniscal damage, painful osteoarthrosis of the knee, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Enquiries: Telephone 0845 1223 600 or email orders.uk@bsnmedical.com
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OTTO BOCK UNVEIL E-MAG CONTROL OTTO Bock’s E-Mag is an innovative electromagnetic orthotic knee joint designed with safety, reliability and ease of handling in mind. With a conventional knee orthosis the two occasions when the user is most at risk of falling are when the joint is manually released or when the lock in the knee does not engage during standing. Since the E-Mag gives clear acoustic or vibration feedback, the user is informed of its status at all times and allows a balanced position when the joint is operated, assisting in overcoming all sense of insecurity during the stance and engage phases. A remote control is used to lock and unlock the E-Mag and can be used either as a hand held device or can be integrated into an Otto Bock forearm crutch, allowing the user to fully support him or herself with both arms at all times. The E-Mag recently won the Limbless Association’s orthotic product innovation award. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 430 1231.
CREATE A CUSTOM KAFO IN LESS THAN ONE HOUR G&M has introduced the COMBO, a low profile, lightweight functional orthotic solution for the management of genurecurvatum combined with footdrop. The COMBO is fitted individually for each patient with components that can be combined to accommodate your patient’s size and length. Designed to be fitted in clinic, with your patient present, in under one hour, optimising your time, reducing the total treatment time yet providing a high quality, high performance product. The COMBO will be on show at BAPO visit us on stand no 24-25 for a product demonstration. Enquiries: Telephone 0121 475 1101 or email marketing@gilbert-mellish.co.uk
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