Assistive Technologies Oct/Nov 2012

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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE

ISSUE 87 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 £6.95

UK expertise on show after golden days

By Helen Williams UK TRADE & Investment (UKTI) hosted a global summit showcasing British expertise in assistive medical technologies – following UK success in the Paralympics.

The government organisation, which develops overseas trade and inward investment, held the business summit at Lancaster House, London, which was attended by hundreds of UK and international delegates.

The event was part of the British Business Embassy, the centrepiece of the Government's international Olympics business legacy programme. It is expected to generate £1bn of benefit to the UK economy and has already attracted over 3,000 business leaders and global figures during the Olympic Games.

Entitled ‘Advances in Assistive Medical Technologies Global Business Summit,’ the event outlined groundbreaking approaches to rehabilitation and assistive technologies.

Among themes were computer-controlled artificial limbs and non-invasive blood pressure management techniques – for people living with injuries, disabilities or illnesses.

Speakers included Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director of the NHS, Ian Stevens, chief

executive of Touch Bionics and Geoff McGrath, managing director of McLaren Applied Technologies. The day included a visit to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where international delegates viewed state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment and systems in practice.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: “British assistive medical technology firms exemplify how innovation and technology can be harnessed to boost prosperity and change lives – and the summit was a great opportunity to promote extraordinary potential.”

Among those taking part in the day were BBC journalist and Olympic torch bearer, Stuart Hughes, who lost his leg below the knee after stepping on a landmine while on assignment in Iraq. He was joined by Barry West who was paralysed from the chest down after a car accident and now campaigns with the Back Up Trust, and Laura Turner, a visually impaired dressage rider who works closely with Riding for the Disabled.

Stuart said: “When I lost my leg at the age of 31 I thought my life and my career were over.

However, thanks to British prosthetics company, Blatchford, I am able to work around the world as a BBC journalist using an artificial leg, including returning to war zones.”

The Paralympics took centre stage for nine days – and changed the landscape for assistive technologies, as well as the way Britain's disabled people are viewed. In this issue, we report on some of the Paralympics’ success stories and how those working behind the scenes in prosthetics and orthotics helped athletes like Jody Cundy (pictured above) achieve their dreams.

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Implant set to revolutionise orthopaedic surgery

By Helen Williams SCIENTISTS at the University of Glasgow are harnessing the regenerative power of stem cells to improve orthopaedic implant surgery.

Contacts Editorial Judith Halkerston Group Editor editorial@assistivetechnologies.co.uk

They are collaborating with Glasgow Southern General Hospital to develop a new type of orthopaedic implant that will be stronger and more long-lived than current products.

These are commonly made from polyethylene, stainless steel, titanium or ceramic, but have a limited lifespan and need replacing after 15 or 20 years.

In hip replacement surgery, the head of the thigh bone is removed and replaced with an implant which is held in place by a rod fixed inside the marrow along the length of the bone.

Stem cells from the marrow have the potential to divide, or ‘differentiate’ into other types of cells such as skin, muscle or bone.

But when traditional implants are fixed in, the stem cells tend to differentiate into soft tissue rather than bone. Combined with the natural loss of bone density as people age, this can weaken the bond between the implant and the body.

Dominic Musgrave Healthcare Editor Email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734407 Helen Williams Reporter Email: helenw@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734694

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Electron microscope image of stem cells growing on nanopatterned material.

Artificially controlling the type of cells created is very difficult, but the Glasgow team has found a reliable method to encourage bone cell growth around a new type of implant.

The implant will be made of an advanced implantable polymer known as Peek-Optima®, from Invibio® Biomaterial Solutions, already used in spinal and other orthopaedic procedures.

Peek-Optima® is very strong, has excellent stability and is resistant to wear.

It matches the mechanical properties of the body much better than traditional materials, allowing the implant to flex in a natural manner, helping bone regeneration. The implant’s plastic surface - created at

the University’s James Watt Nanofabrication Centre – is covered in tiny pits and encourages stem cells to grow and spread ensuring they become therapeutically useful cells.

Dr Matthew Dalby, of the University’s Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, said: “This means the implant site can repair itself much more effectively and an implant could well last for the rest of a patient’s life.”

Sales Christine Daly-Sadler

Product Manager

Email: cds@scriptmedia.co.uk Tel: 01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478 Tony Barry Sales and Marketing Director Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Circulation circulation@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 24 hour hotline: 01226 734695 Design/Production Stewart Holt Studio Manager Email: sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Laura Blackburn Graphic Designer

He added: “We’re now outliving the usefulness of some of our body parts. Our new implant could be the solution to the expensive and painful follow-up surgeries which conventional implants require.”

Peek products can be made using an injection-moulding technique, and future mass-production of the implant is a real possibility.

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.

www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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Golden finale for Oscar at London Paralympics SOUTH African Oscar Pistorius provided a fitting finale to the Paralympics track and field competition with gold in the last event, the T44 400m.

The 25-year-old, promoted as the face of the Games, went into the final without an individual gold but won in a new Paralympic record of 46.68 seconds.

He finished almost four seconds ahead of Blake Leeper, with fellow American David Prince taking bronze. Pistorius also won gold in the 4x400m relay and silver in the 200m.

Defending champion Pistorius was expected to win the race easily, although at the 200m mark it appeared that Brazil's Alan Oliveira,

who stunned the South African in the 200m, might just cause another Paralympics shock.

But Pistorius pulled away from his main rival coming into the final, with 20-year-old Oliveira tying up badly in the home straight and passed by the American pair.

“It was very, very special to me,” Pistorius said. “It was the last event of my season, the last event of the London 2012 Paralympic Games (at the stadium). It was just so special.

“It was the 11th time I was able to come out on the track and I just wanted to give the crowd something they could appreciate and take home with them. I was very nervous before the race. I was quite tired but the crowd really kept me going.”

Device makes medical rounds easy MEDIROUNDS is a new way to organise patient information during medical rounds, eliminating handwritten notes and piles of paper.

The secure, physician-designed system has an easy-to-navigate interface with fast input and quick scanning of patient information.

Rounds have traditionally been labour-intensive, but MediRounds for iPad has been designed to streamline the process and save clinicians’ time.

Functions include ‘to do’ lists and AirPrint (wireless print) along with tutorials on topics like critical thinking in medicine.

Para-cyclist Jon-Allan Butterworth

Company salutes three silvers and a lasting legacy

By Helen Williams THE independent living company that sponsored para-cyclist Jon-Allan Butterworth over the last year has congratulated him on winning three silver medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The 26-year-old athlete from Sutton Coldfield claimed silver in the C4-5 1km Time Trial, C5 4km Pursuit and the C1-C5 Team Sprint. The three events were all personal bests for Jon-Allan.

Paul Massey, group chief executive of sponsor and manufacturer AKW, said: “The games have left a lasting legacy about the courage and commitment these talented athletes have displayed, and their determination to succeed in their sport no matter what their disability.

“These elite sportsmen have done our country proud, and it has been a great honour to back Jon-Allan Butterworth over the last year.”

This is the first Paralympic Games for Jon-Allan, who was injured while serving Great Britain as a weapons technician in the RAF in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A rocket attack on Basra Air Station in Iraq in 2007 meant he was forced to undergo an above-elbow amputation on his left arm. He has

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

been cycling professionally since 2009. Jon-Allan has been working in partnership with AKW, based in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, on initiatives to help highlight independent living for those with specialist needs.

Campaigns have included a ‘design a mascot’ competition with children, opening a new cycling track, and launching a new school cycling proficiency course.

After he was injured, it was while he was recovering at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court in Surrey that JonAllan first made contact with British Cycling coaches at a Paralympics GB talent ID day in Loughborough.

Later in 2008 he became involved with the Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride, a 350-mile cycling challenge around the battlefields of Northern France to help raise funds to benefit other injured servicemen and women.

Inspired by this experience and watching athletes such as Sir Chris Hoy in the Beijing Olympic Games 2008, he attended a selection weekend in Newport and was accepted onto the British Paracycling Programme in January 2009. The RAF Association has helped to support Jon-Allan on his journey.

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Karen joins campaign to get disabled people online HALIFAX-BORN Karen Darke – who won silver in the women’s H1-2 time trial in cycling at the Paralympic Games – has joined a campaign aimed at helping disabled people access the internet.

Karen, paralysed in a rock climbing accident at 21, says the campaign, Go ON Gold, provides a vital service to people who would otherwise not know where to turn for help in getting online.

Go ON Gold, a partner project of Go ON UK, is a new national charity designed to get everyone online. It is supported by the BBC, Age UK and the Post Office, along with 16 times medal winner Dame Tanni GreyThompson. More than half the eight million UK citizens who have never used the internet are disabled. The reasons behind their inability to get online include design barriers or ignorance of technology advances which can make access easier.

Karen, whose adventures include hand cycling over the

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Paralympic hand cyclist Karen Darke.

Himalayas, sea kayaking around Corsica, and a Ph.D. in geology, says the internet is a powerful tool for those with disabilities.

“Everywhere I go I have my laptop and my phone with me,” she said. “Technology can offer an ability to stay in touch with people, to know what’s going on, or to find out information at the press of a button.”

A core element of the campaign is a growing library of video interviews, including those with Karen, Dame Tanni and

supporters such as Coventrybased entrepreneur and disability consultant, Simon Stevens, who has cerebral palsy.

They explain how they have overcome difficulties to access the net and describe tools which have made their lives easier.

Go ON Gold aims to sign up 1,000 new digital champions in the use of accessible technology.

Its website www.go-ongold.co.uk will act as a focus for links to resources and expertise.

Entrepreneur and disability consultant, Simon Stevens, who has cerebral palsy.

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Each amputee faces challenges but being a long-established limb user presents its own particular problems. Helen Williams looked at two people who improved their lives with the help of PACE Rehabilitation.

Pam’s prosthesis is ‘money well-spent’ PAM McGeechan from Rugby in Warwickshire was diagnosed with cancer in 1989, resulting in a high transhumeral (above-the-elbow) amputation of her right arm.

Despite this, Pam has continued to live a full and active life, although typically only using a cosmetic prosthesis when out and about.

However, after more than 20 years of provision from her local NHS, Pam decided it was time to find a more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing prosthesis.

She explained: “Over the years, my shoulder shape has changed and the arm doesn’t fit nearly as well as it used to, although I’ve never been particularly proud to wear it.”

Pam contacted PACE and was offered an assessment with prosthetist Paul Richardson. He said: “Pam identified that she’s very self-conscious of her uneven shoulder profile. We needed to address

that, whilst looking to improve her comfort.”

After consulting with husband Anthony, Pam decided to proceed and returned two weeks later to be cast for a new socket.

Paul called on expert upper limb technician, Bryan Bradbury, and they worked closely to produce a device that would help Pam feel both confident and comfortable in public.

Just three weeks after her first fitting, Pam took delivery of her new cosmetic prosthesis and sent Paul an e-mail, summarising her experience.

She told him: “Not only have you given me a very comfortable socket and a good looking arm, which makes me less self-conscious, but I now have a wider choice of clothes. I spent a year wondering if I could justify spending money on myself, but both Anthony and I think that what I have come away with is money very well spent.”

Pam McGeechan is very comfortable with her new prosthesis.

Comfort problems solved HAVING been an amputee for over 40 years, Vaughan Thompson from Oxford can justifiably be described as an ‘established user’ – but issues with socket comfort saw him turn to a private prosthetic provider for the first time.

Vaughan became a below knee amputee following a motorcycle accident back in 1971 when he was 19.

He was fitted with an artificial limb by the NHS and quickly adjusted, becoming an active walker and climber. Later on, he took up competitive cycling, racing at local and international level.

Vaughan Thompson

He has remained active for more than four decades, particularly with cycling, exclusively using prosthetic legs from the NHS.

However, he said: “I found myself really struggling, as I was unable to get a prosthetic socket that was comfortable. It was not for want of trying, or due to a lack of effort by the NHS staff, who made several attempts to produce a comfortable and functional socket, but to no avail.

Stage one involved a ‘temporary’ leg, with a check socket, to see if the comfort problems could be solved before committing to a finished leg. Vaughan tested the leg, going on long walks and cycle rides, recording his experiences in a diary and with photographs, to review with the prosthetist.

“This period was incredibly frustrating for me, as comfortable sockets had been routine up to then and there was no obvious change in my condition, or in the way the sockets were being manufactured.”

The method highlighted areas where adjustments were needed to the socket, which was remade accordingly.

Vaughan visited PACE Rehabilitation at its clinic in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, and was offered a staged approach to his prosthetic provision.

This process was repeated several times, demonstrating that the stump was changing shape due to expanding and flexing of residual muscles as Vaughan walked more and more, until he was satisfied with the comfort and function of the socket.

University of Bath appoints new orthopaedics expert THE University of Bath has appointed an orthopaedics expert to oversee multi-disciplinary expertise in healthcare engineering from across the institution.

Previously from the University of Oxford, Professor Richie Gill is experienced in both academic and industrial healthcare engineering and takes up the role based in the 6

University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

He leaves a role as group head of the Oxford Orthopaedic Engineering Centre which he has held for the past 12 years, and as university lecturer in the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

His undergraduate degree and early career were in aerospace engineering, but Professor Gill made the move to healthcare when he started his DPhil degree at Oxford, followed by a two-year appointment as an assistant professor at the University of Calgary.

At Bath, Professor Gill will continue

his research interests in orthopaedics, maintaining his collaborations with Oxford, as well as developing new projects in the wider field of healthcare.

His research covers development of novel assessment methodologies and computational models to understand musculoskeletal function.

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Prosthetics transformed into exhibits SPARE Parts – an exhibition of prosthetic limbs transformed into pieces of art – was staged in London to coincide with the Paralympic Games.

It was the idea of Queensland-born Priscilla Sutton, an amputee since 2005. Priscilla, pictured right, had elective surgery below the knee when she was 26 due to a worsening bone condition. She now uses two prosthetic legs – one brightly-decorated for sports, and one she describes as her ‘going out leg’, featuring printed artwork by US pop surrealist Mark Ryden.

She said: “I pulled a couple of old legs out of the cupboard, and realised I couldn’t keep hoarding limbs for sentimental reasons. They are a part of your body, so you don’t really like to chuck them away. And there are rules about disposing of old limbs – you can’t just put them in the bin.”

Priscilla realised how many other limbs must be in cupboards and sheds across the country and around the world. She started asking around and the idea for an exhibition grew.

Spare Parts had its first outing in

Brisbane in 2010 and brought together dozens of artists who were given pre-loved prosthetic limbs as a blank canvas.

The London exhibition on Brick Lane featured 43 artworks. Some artists used a prosthetic arm or hand to draw or paint their contributions, and those who took part included tattooists Henry Hate and Louis Molloy, known for their work with Amy Winehouse and David Beckham.

Free workshops at Naidex South NAIDEX South is co-located this year with the Naidex Care Conference – featuring speakers such as Bupa’s director of dementia care Dr Graham Stokes, and Martin Green, chief executive of the English Community Care Association.

Taking place at Excel London from October 17-18, Naidex South is also offering free workshops with topics like ‘improving your website usability’. Speakers include Warren Knight, founder of social shopping platform Gloople, who will talk about using social media effectively to promote a business.

Among speakers is Ian Sandison, medical technology advisor from P&I Associates, who will reveal how small businesses can win contracts and sell into the NHS. In the Sports Zone, Paralympians will talk about their achievements and show their medals.

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Do you have a story for us?

Email Helen Williams: helenw@scriptmedia.co.uk or give her a ring on 01226 734684

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Prosthetists are reflecting on the impact of the London 2012 Paralympics, which lifted their profile to an all-time high. Helen Williams reports.

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Power behind ‘the superhumans’ UNIQUE to Paralympic sport, every amputee has a prosthetist whose job is as essential as the coach.

The prosthetist is responsible for the function and comfort of the prostheses but their job does not stop there. They see their athletes through years of training, witnessing the lows as well as the highs.

Ossur works with UK athletes including cyclist Jody Cundy, and track athletes Richard Whitehead and Jonnie Peacock. The company’s clinical specialist prosthetist Richard Hirons said Jody was ‘devastated’ to come home from the Paralympics without a gold medal, despite taking bronze in the CA 4km pursuit. In the earlier 1km time trial, officials had disqualified Jody (see below), resulting in what media described as his ‘trackside tantrum.’

“Our athletes all had high expectations and we saw some awesome performances, but Jody was denied his opportunity,” said Richard. “We have watched him in training and know what he is capable of. As a modestly funded athlete, he’s motivated by performance, and in most respects, I think his reaction was justified. If ever there was doubt regarding the passion and commitment our athletes have, then Jody has answered that. He cares, and it mattered.”

Richard Hirons and Jonnie Peacock

Jody is now considering ‘mothballing’ the prosthetic racing leg that was specially made for him for London 2012.

Richard said there was no doubt that the Paralympics had raised the profile of prosthetists but added: “In some respects, we are merely sports equipment suppliers. It is really about celebrating the athletes’ achievement – they have raised the level of disability sport to the profile of elite sport.”

German sprinter Heinrich Popow, who took home a gold medal on day nine of Paralympics competition in the men's 100m T42, works with

Ottobock Healthcare prosthetist Tino Hartmann and research and development team member Jens Northemann.

Tino said: “There is a lot of trust required between an athlete and a prosthetist. It is a real collaboration. I constantly adjust the fit of Heinrich’s leg depending on his running technique, fitness and changes to his residual limb as a result of diet and training.

“We spend hours looking at video footage to ensure that the leg enables him to perform to his best and is comfortable. We have been working together for five years and

to see him cross the finish line first filled me with such pride and passion.”

So what will the future bring?

Ossur’s Richard Hirons said: “It’s great just to be talking about sport, proper sport on the sports pages.

The Paralympics has brought it to the breakfast tables of the nation and as time goes on, there will be more competition.

“Funding for sporting prostheses in the NHS is an issue, and it is sporting prostheses that allow people to tap into their talent. But working in partnership with people like PACE, we have seen a few younger athletes coming through who are doing exceptionally well, such as Sophie Kamlish.”

Sophie, 16, finished fifth and sixth in the 100m and 200m finals respectively. PACE prosthetist Jamie Gillespie said: “She will be one to watch between now and Rio on 2016.”

Richard Hirons concluded: “Not everyone wants to be a Paralympian but raising expectations and setting goals is important. I was once asked if we’re raising expectations too much, suggesting that some people have unrealistic expectations. I don’t agree. We need to manage people’s expectations, not suppress them.

One man’s Kilimanjaro is another man’s top of the stairs.”

‘There’s a kilo title with my name on it. And I want it back’ CYCLIST Jody Cundy told media that he had not ruled out competing in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, following the London Paralympics.

Jody took bronze in the CA 4km pursuit, but 24 hours earlier officials denied him the chance of a re-race to defend his title in the 1km time trial.

He was the last of the competitors to take to the track and his back wheel spun crazily as he exited the start gates. He immediately put his hand up to signify a false start and

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stopped pedalling assuming that he would be granted a restart.

Officials saw things differently and eventually disqualification was announced without the right of appeal.

Booing spread around the velodrome with fans chanting “Let him ride, let him ride”. Jody, who had a leg amputated as a three-year-old, had put his helmet back on and was ready to ride again when informed of the decision.

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The pent-up frustration of four years’ training exploded and Jody yelled and swore.

He later apologised and said: “I lost it. I’m not proud of it but the amount of hard work and effort that goes into it, I was pretty angry.”

Jody, one of only a handful of athletes who is a Paralympic champion in two sports, having won gold medals in swimming and cycling, added that he would wait a couple of years before deciding on Rio in 2016.

But he said: “I’ll have to do another four years now because there’s a kilo title with my name on it. And I want it back.”

Jody, who trains at the Manchester Velodrome, used his new red, white and blue prosthetic leg at the Paralympics. Constructed of aerodynamic carbon fibre, the leg – made by Ossur – also includes images of each of the ten medals he has already won at previous Paralympic games and world championships.

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New rehabilitation centre opens in Surrey A NEUROREHABILITATION centre has opened at Bagshot Park in Surrey – offering specialist rehabilitation, treatment and care to patients suffering from brain injuries, and cognitive and physical disabilities.

Ascot Rehab and CHD Living launched the centre under the auspices of Esther McVey, newly appointed parliamentary under secretary of state for the Department of Work and Pensions and Minister for Disabled People.

The centre is the latest addition to CHD Living’s thriving care and hospitality organisation. It has a multi disciplinary team providing personalised rehabilitation to allow people with disabilities to return

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home with as much independence as possible.

Esther McVey MP, met former resident, Peter Stewart, who showed her around the centre. Peter explained to the minister, how, after having had a fall and broken his back, sessions in the gym and hydrotherapy pool at Bagshot Park had been instrumental in his recovery.

He can now walk with a frame and independently transfer from wheelchair to chair, when before he was completely unable to walk.

Peter said he had not felt like he was in a rehabilitation centre. “It was almost like being in a hotel, which

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

was lovely. I was completely immobilised when I arrived here, I couldn't sit up on my own, I couldn't get out of bed, I couldn't walk – I really did need extensive care. I was completely dependent on the team – they really took me along the right path.”

The Optimal Rehabilitation Programme at Bagshot Park caters for patients from within NHS hospitals and private patients through to private consultant referrals. The local community benefits from its dedicated outpatient centre which offers physiotherapy and hydrotherapy suites. Occupational therapy, neuropsychology speech therapy and

information technology services are also provided under the supervision of leading consultants.

Ascot Rehab has 31 luxurious private suites equipped with flat screen televisions, WiFi, personal fridges, tea and coffee making facilities and full en-suite facilities. The centre also has eight step-down transitional apartments designed to help guests get back on their feet and back home as quickly as possible.

Other five-star amenities include a residents’ computer suite, flat screen televisions, custom-made furniture and decor, a cinema room, a games room, an occupational therapy room and a restaurant.

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Scientists claiming ‘human’ robot is getting closer They use software called Hybrid Engine for Facial Expressions Synthesis (HEFES), built to mimic people’s emotional responses.

By Helen Williams SCIENTISTS are getting closer to designing a robot which can pass for a human.

The software can mix various emotions on a sliding scale, for instance a smile tinged with sadness, or a laugh with unease.

While not quite there yet, roboticists from the University of Pisa are coming close with FACE – a robot able to display life-like human emotions ranging from happiness to sadness and fear.

Building on 30 years of research, the robot uses 32 motors in ‘her’ face to simulate different expressions, and in doing so gets closer to the so-called ‘uncanny valley’ – the point where a robot looks almost realistic enough to pass for a human, but robotic enough to be disturbing.

The principle of the ‘uncanny valley’ is that people do not have an issue with robots when they

Such developments mean it is likely robots can be made that are indistinguishable from human beings. have metallic or expressionless faces – but if a robot looks very close to human, yet is given away by telltale signs, it makes most people startled and uneasy.

The university team, led by Ph.D. student Nicole Lazzeri, modelled the robot on one of the team's wives – and the team say “it's very realistic”.

According to New Scientist, the research team asked five autistic and 15 non-autistic children to identify a set of expressions performed by FACE, and then the same expressions performed by a psychologist.

Both groups could identify happiness, anger and sadness, but they struggled more with fear, disgust and surprise.

‘Camouflage’ robot modelled on sea-life A ROBOT inspired by the camouflage abilities of octopuses, cuttlefish and squid has been designed by researchers at Harvard University.

The device can change colour to either blend in with or stand out from its surroundings and like the sea creatures, has a soft, rubbery body and can move with flexibility.

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The study is published in the journal Science.

Lead author Stephen Morin said the soft machines had similarities with organs or tissues and could have medical applications.

Covered in a network of tiny channels, the ‘camouflage-bots’ can quickly change their appearance as different dyes are pumped in.

Hot or cold fluids can also be pumped in, enabling them to be thermally camouflaged, while fluorescent liquids allow them to glow in the dark.

The robots are lightweight and flexible, and because they are relatively inexpensive, could in principle be ‘throwaway’ devices.

Stephen Morin explained: “The idea is that if you have a system that can simulate muscle motion very well and a system that can transport fluid, by combining those you can fabricate that device to fit a specific surgical problem. And in planning for surgery or training, you can use something like this in a guilt-free way.”

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Colin gets back in the saddle

By Helen Williams ELITE para-cyclist Colin Lynch (Ireland) is preparing to get back into the saddle for training – after losing out on a medal by a tenth of a second in the Paralympic Games.

Colin took fourth place in the men’s track finals and fifth in the individual C2 time trial finals.

He told Assistive Technologies: “I only lost out because of a mental error rather than a physical one.

“You know you are capable of winning but not on that day.”

He said the roar of the crowd had been a distraction, despite the fact that he felt “lifted” by the support when his name was repeatedly called out.

for. But if I ever get the opportunity again I’ll be better prepared.”

He admitted that he had been disappointed by the result but said the games had increased understanding of disability sport.

“For a long time, people have seen disability sport as something we do to make ourselves feel better, a condescending pat on the head.

“Now people have a much greater understanding of it and the fact that we do it for the love of sport.”

Colin, who is supported by PACE Rehabilitation, is taking a break on holiday in Italy and will start training again in November.

He said: “The crowd noise was like a wall of sound and probably the cause of a lot of my problems, because I couldn’t hear the feedback from my coach.

He said: “I’m going to focus on my strengths, and have a review of everything. I’m going to use a wind tunnel to test position and the way that my leg interacts with the air – and there are some ideas for a new leg.

“It threw my race plan. That’s something you can’t really prepare

“If I can make it to the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, I will.”

CIONE Wellness Centre is seeking to identify and appoint suitably qualified and motivated candidates to its Foot Care Services business.

CIONE Wellness Centre has been established for over 3 years within its primary centre in Loughborough and has recently expanded in to Stoney-gate, Leicester with a further clinic being set up in Harley Street, London before Christmas 2012.

The CIONE Wellness Centre is a multi discipline, PRIVATE centre where independent health professionals provide a collective range of services for the general well being of an individual.

Services offered are Postural Realignment/Foot care, Sports Massage, Acupuncture, Chiropractor, Dentistry, Private General Practitioner, Sports Physician, Diet and Nutrition, Personal Fitness Coaching, Hypnotherapy plus many more.

UK wide, full and part time employed positions and self-employed opportunities, working under the CIONE brand are available from November 1st 2012 onwards.

Applications are invited from Podiatrists, Orthotists, Chiropodists and related Therapists, with particular preference to persons with Bio-Mechanics experience, who are looking to step over into the PRIVATE sector either ‘part-time’ or ‘full-time’ and who demonstrate a marketing and ‘pro active’ approach to ‘foot care’ and general ‘well being’ in addition to their health professional qualifications.

The candidate should be keen to learn and utilise ‘state-of-the-art’ CAD/CAM systems/technology in the provision of Custom Foot Orthoses and Custom Footwear.

Candidates should be computer literate, have good communication and team skills and should have some knowledge of orthotic and footwear construction or other related experience in footwear, diabetic footwear provision or footwear fashion.

Please apply in writing to The Manager, CIONE Wellness Centre, 25-27 Park Road, Loughborough, LE11 2ED including a formal C.V.

CLOSING DATE FOR ‘FIRST PHASE’ APPLICATIONS 30TH NOVEMBER 2012

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

TV producer trials blade in torch relay BBC producer Stuart Hughes made a film about his experiences of using the new Endolite running blade for the Olympic torch relay.

Stuart took part in trials of the Blatchford design of the prototype and said Blatchford had been working for six months to develop the leg. He visited the company’s factory with his BBC team to try the finished foot for the first time and find out more about the design and manufacturing process.

The leg was given a Formula One makeover, with a Union Flag motif painted by the same company that is responsible for spraying the shells of Lotus cars.

Part of Stuart’s right leg was blown off by an anti-personnel landmine when he was covering the war in Iraq in 2003. The cameraman he was working with, Kaveh Golestan, was killed.

Five days after stepping on the mine, his right leg was

amputated below the knee, and three months later he was fitted with his first prosthetic leg.

The new Endolite blade has been developed to enhance efficiency across the range of running speeds. It has a new foot design that provides a floor reaction plate under the foot spring to help support the knee and reduce hyper-extension stress.

The result is that runners experience less impact pain after prolonged training, and trials have proved positive because of the improvements reported by participants.

One of the triallers was Robbie Barrett, who was part of the spectacular aerial display in the Paralympic opening ceremony 2012. To the strains of Handel’s Eternal Light, six former medal winners including Robbie and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, flew across the sky suspended high above the cheering crowds.

Toshiba teams up with United TOSHIBA Medical Systems is now official medical partner for Manchester United Football Club.

The five-year partnership will see the two brands come together to provide state-of-the-art equipment to the club’s medical team based at The Trafford Training Centre, Carrington.

Toshiba’s technological know-how will give Manchester United

players the best care, with a new CT scanner, an MRI scanner, and five ultrasound systems.

The club’s training ground is now under development to make way for the new facilities.

Toshiba Medical Systems Europe chief executive Chikao Kamijima said: “This should also help to promote Manchester United as an innovator in player well being.”

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‘Worrying lack of awareness’ on rehab support

By Helen Williams NEW research reveals that just one in five (20%) of employers feel equipped to offer their employees rehabilitation support following longterm illness.

The research also showed “a worrying lack of awareness” among employers regarding state support for employees who are unable to work due to long-term sickness.

Nearly a quarter (22%) of employers said they did not have the resource or expertise to manage people back into the workplace effectively.

25% were concerned that they would have to carry on paying sick pay.

The research involved a nationwide survey of 1,000 British adult employees and 500 employers, carried out for Aviva by market researchers OnePoll.

The findings come when the government is calling for employers

to be at the centre of managing employees back to work following absence.

43% of employers thought staff should be auto-enrolled on to a scheme that gives them financial protection in the event of long-term sickness absence, and around one in five (17%) were considering taking out group income protection.

NEWS

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Charlotte Roblin in ‘This is rehab.’ Charlotte suffered a brain haemorrhage when she was just 21 which affected her sight, walking and memory.

TV documentary focuses on spinal injuries centre STOKE Mandeville Hospital’s National Spinal Injuries Centre was the focus of an hour-long documentary on Channel 4.

Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann in 1944 to treat servicemen who had sustained spinal cord injuries in World War II.

Almost three quarters (72%), did not know that people could find entitlement to ESA stopped after a year if they were considered capable of returning to work.

‘This is rehab’ was part of Channel 4’s ‘Best of British’ Paralympic series and followed patients and staff at the centre, highlighting their journeys after injury. Filmed over a number of months during the past year, it gave unprecedented access to the centre for the first time.

Professor Guttmann began using sport as a vital ingredient in rehabilitation programmes and organised a competition for 16 paralysed men and women to coincide with the opening ceremony of the 1948 Olympic Games in London.

Just one in ten employers had reviewed their sick-pay arrangements following the recent welfare reform changes.

The National Spinal Injuries Centre is the oldest and one of the largest spinal injuries centres in the world. It was founded by neurologist

The Stoke Mandeville Games for wheelchair athletes began and is acknowledged as the moment that the Paralympic movement was born.

Nearly two-thirds of employers (63%) did not know how much benefit is paid through Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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DeNovo seals new deal HAVING recently agreed five-year deals with Nimco Made4You and Atlantic Rim, DeNovo Healthcare has just sealed another, this time with Centri of Sweden.

DeNovo managing director Nick Talbot said: “This agreement for the popular Dynamic Walk Orthoses will enable us to expand on the success we have achieved over the last few years.

“We look forward to working even closer with Centri and aim to make available to orthotists and physiotherapists a range of quality CPD qualifying workshops which will be streamed live on our website.

“These will be aimed at evaluating the best assessment and treatment options for patients suffering with drop and flaccid foot problems focusing on their daily activity, pairing the best orthotic solution for the patients needs and giving the clinician technical and clinical support for the Dynamic Walk Orthoses.

“The benefit of this approach is illustrated by the feedback received from the delegates who attended our previous seminars.”

Compex helps Lucy gain Paralympic glory COMPEX ambassador Lucy Shuker won a bronze medal in wheelchair doubles tennis at the Paralympics.

After three hours and nine minutes on court, Lucy and her partner Jordanne Whiley turned their finals match around against Thailand's Ratana Techamaneewat and Sakhorn Khanthasit 7-6, 6-7, 3-6 to win Great Britain’s fifth Paralympic tennis medal.

Lucy, who was injured in a motorcycle accident in 2001 shortly after her 21st birthday, made her Paralympics debut at the 2008 Beijing Games where she reached the second round of the women’s singles and the first round of the doubles.

After the match she said: “I'm speechless. We played so badly in the first set, we didn't play our game. I'm in disbelief at the moment that we came through and won. I know Jordanne can fight back so I knew that we still had a chance.”

At the beginning of last year, Lucy’s Paralympics 2012 looked a distant dream. She had suffered from a tear in a tendon to her forearm which resulted in months of rehab from the physios at the NTC. As part of the process, they recommended she used the Compex Mi Sport to help strengthen her muscles around the tear. The result was a fit, strong and pain free arm which enabled her to

return to the court stronger than ever for the Slovakia Open where she won the singles title. Despite some essential surgery at the beginning of this year, Lucy was back winning more titles as part of her build up to the Paralympics.

Lucy still uses her Compex. She added: “It keeps my tendons strong and is an integral part of my strength and fitness conditioning routine. Having experienced the pain and frustration of a major injury to a small tendon in my arm I realised just how important a comprehensive strength and conditioning programme and recovery/massage is for a tennis player.”

Beagle Orthopaedic: A revolution is here BEAGLE Orthopaedic is excited to introduce the Aspen Vista 464 TLSO. Beagle first saw success in this kind of product with the Aspen Vista Collar - described as “the first universally sized collar to revolutionise the market place” - and the company says the Vista 464 is set to do the same again.

The Vista 464 delivers a product that has been long-awaited by the market, in that it is an all in one system that offers patients support from S1–T8, providing the versatility that accommodates the appropriate motion restriction throughout the

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

healing process.

Throughout the testing process, the Vista 464 was commended on its ease of application (especially to usually non compliant patients) and the advantage of the modularity.

The inspired Sure Slot System comfortably fits waists from 26”–60” without compromising the effectiveness of the brace. The height adjustment technology means that just one TLSO fits patients ranging from 4’ 8–6’ 8”. Finally, the Vista 464 offers three styles of strap configurations, which are very easy to set up, giving lots of flexibility

depending on individual patient needs. All this can be done without requiring any tools, which is testament to the adaptability and ease of use of this TLSO brace.

Having this product available on the market today, says Beagle, also means a cost saving for departments, as the Vista 464 offers so much versatility that stock holding will be a thing of the past. Beagle adds that it has built in specific intricacies into its Aspen products, designed to make life easier for clinicians as well as patients and to ensure that each product is unique.

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sponsors sports rehab

Physio ready to double practice size

Neurophysiotherapist Laura Hutchinson, left, and physiotherapy technician Kim Duff with resident. Photo: Rene Jorgenson

Service approval PHYSIOTHERAPY staff helped a specialist neuro-rehabilitation centre in East Sussex to win a stamp of approval for its services.

Mulberry House, in St Leonards on Sea, was awarded approved provider status from national charity Headway, which promotes the understanding of all aspects of brain injury.

The award, granted after the service was assessed, was made in recognition of the centre’s ability to provide specialist care for people who have survived brain injuries and have complex physical, psychological and cognitive needs.

Caroline Prosser, the Headwayapproved provider project lead, said the centre’s multi disciplinary team, which includes specialist neurophysio Laura Hutchinson and physio technician Kim Duff, were “a cohesive team of appropriately experienced therapy staff” with a patient-centred approach well suited to the individual needs of people with brain injury.

Mulberry House, part of Titleworth Neuro’s specialist brain injury services, is currently one of only 21 units to have secured Headway’s approved provider status.

THE physiotherapist for cricketing legends Sir Ian Botham and Freddie Flintoff aims to double the size of his practice over the next three years.

Dave Roberts, also physio to Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio, already owns the largest chain of physiotherapy clinics in the north west, with clinics in Bolton, Middleton, Oldham, Old Trafford, Stockport and Sale.

In 2011 the company had a healthy turnover – an increase of seven percent from 2010 – and now Dave aims to grow his business by opening another six clinics in the coming year.

Negotiations are underway to open a seventh practice in the north west and he is looking into expansion outside the region.

Dave said: “We have the funds in place to grow and over the past couple of years, we've diversified beyond physio and now offer massage, Pilates, personal training, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). We've also invested in a mobile physio service.”

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Dave Roberts treats Freddie Flintoff.

He is currently putting the finishing touches to a new website and two new divisions of the business. One will provide medical support teams for sporting events around the globe, while the other will focus on the occupational health market.

Dave welcomed recent changes in the law which allow physiotherapists and podiatrists to prescribe medicines themselves. He said: “It is

not going to be for everybody, but it will give physios another string to their bow. It is a positive move and people have worked hard to get this recognition.”

From 2014, physiotherapists are set to prescribe drugs for a range of illnesses such as asthma, neurological disorders, rheumatological conditions, women's health issues, chronic pain and mobility problems.

Royal opening for outdoor activity centre PRINCESS Alexandra has opened a new £1m building at The Calvert Trust Exmoor – the outdoor activity centre for people with disabilities.

‘The Acland Room’ has new, fully accessible changing rooms built to Sport England standards for the hydrotherapy pool. Its fully glazed, elevated communal area allows visitors to take in the views across Wistlandpound Reservoir, down the river Yeo valley.

They will also be able to study the night skies that are a feature of North Devon’s Dark Sky Reserve.

‘The Acland Room’ name was chosen to celebrate the leadership of the project by Lady Acland JP, chairman of the trustees of The Calvert Trust Exmoor. Built by Pearce Construction of Barnstaple, working

with architects from the David Wilson Partnership, the building was funded by public donations, Calvert Trust Trustees and Grant Making Trusts.

Princess Alexandra toured the site to meet staff, visitors and representatives of the many

organisations that support Calvert Trust Exmoor – the third of the trust’s centres.

The trust helps people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities to fulfil their potential through outdoor adventure.

In 2011, it hosted over 3,500 guests.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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PODIATRY

sponsors podiatry

India ‘desperate’ for podiatric care

By Helen Williams A PROJECT involving Scotland’s Glasgow Caledonian University has highlighted a “desperate” need for specialised podiatric care in India.

Podiatry is yet to become established in the country, where the care, study of, diagnosis, and medical treatment of disorders of the foot are still the remit of the country’s general practitioners.

The university team partnered with Calicut’s Institute of Palliative Medicine and Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences on a project to help India’s 50 million diabetics.

Professor Stuart Baird and Christine Skinner, previously World Health Organisation (WHO) consultants in diabetic foot disease, trained India’s physicians on how to assess and manage complications caused by diabetes – which leads to the amputation of a limb every 30 seconds around the world.

Loss of sensation and poor blood supply to the feet and legs caused by

diabetes contribute to a high number of amputations across India, where diabetes has been identified as a pandemic by WHO and the International Diabetes Federation.

Professor Baird said: “We gave lectures and practical sessions so that physicians can assess feet and identify complications early and advise their patients on practical issues such as not walking barefoot when they have lost sensation in the soles of their feet. That kind of advice can make an enormous difference to patients’ lives.”

Glasgow Caledonian University has a reputation for excellence in its podiatric research – and virtually all last year’s podiatry graduates found work in the profession.

Professor Baird added: “Podiatry has evolved enormously over the past four decades. Podiatrists can now use local anaesthetics, specialise in medical or surgical fields, and prescribe treatments such as antibiotics and steroids.”

Above: A foot demonstration and, below: Stuart and Christine

Ohio university opens podiatry college KENT State University in Ohio in the US has unveiled the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine – a major step for medical and health training.

One of only nine such colleges in the nation, the College of Podiatric Medicine becomes the only one of its kind in the country affiliated with a public university system.

Future foot and ankle specialists will be trained at the college’s main site, a large Georgian-style building located in Independence, Cuyahoga County.

To a soundtrack of foot and walking-related songs at the opening – including Johnny Cash’s ‘Walk the Line’ – students mingled with Kent State

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

officials, dignitaries and college alumni.

University president Lester Lefton, college chief executive Dr. Thomas Melillo and guests tied a ceremonial ribbon linking the two institutions together before the unveiling.

Enrolment at the four-year, graduate level college is just over 400 students each year, with 75 to 100 graduates earning doctor of podiatric medicine degrees annually.

The college, which claims 6,000 podiatrists as alumni and is affiliated with more than 50 hospitals around the world, will offer dual degree programmes including master’s degrees in business administration and public health and a planned doctorate degree in sports medicine.

Kent State University Photo credit: Dave O'Brien, Kent/Ravenna Record-Courier.

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PRO PRODUCT P OD DU UC CT TG GUIDE UIID DES DE D ES ES BROCHURES B BR RO OCH HU UR RES S NEWSLETTERS NE EW WS SLE ET TTE ER RS E-SHOTS E-SH HO OT TS POSTERS P PO ST TERS S LOGO L LO GO O DE DESIGN ES SIG GN N STATIONERY S ST TAT TIO ON NE ERY Y WEBSITE W WEB BS SIT TE D DESIGN ES SIG GN N Script crip Media’s a’s design d & print p team m offer a bespoke bes service erv for allll your y requirements. uir s.

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For furtherr iinformation n ccall Andrew w Loades on: n: 01226 73 734482 or em email al@scriptmedia.co.uk ript o.u

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INTRODUCING THE DYNAPRO™ TORTICOLLIS ORTHOSIS

CHAIR PROVIDES A STABLE BASIS FOR WORK AND PLAY

THE DynaPro™ Torticollis Orthosis is the latest addition to the OCSI range of stock orthoses distributed by Trulife – available for next day delivery from their head office in Sheffield.

Designed to treat lateral flexion of the head and neck, this new orthosis features a ‘Bend to Fit’ shoulder cuff which allows for quick and easy customisation to allow for restorative torticollis therapy.

In addition, the semi-rigid heat moldable upright with ‘flex’ technology allows for a gentle stretch to reverse tissue shortening or manage lateral cervical flexion spasticity.

Using the DynaPro™ Torticollis Orthosis can significantly improve functional alignment of the head and neck facilitating improved vision, swallowing and performance of ADL’s.

THE Madita-Fun is a highly functional chair which provides a stable basis to play and work.

The chair can be lowered enough to allow self transfer, therefore providing independence. It can then be raised 72cm in height to use at a table surface.

The cushions are contoured for extra comfort and a full range of supports and accessories can be purchased extra. There is also an option of a ‘split seat’ which provides great hip and pelvic positioning.

It is available in electric or gas spring height adjustment and thus adapts perfectly to the differing needs of children with particular disabilities.

Enquiries: For further information contact Trulife on 0114 261 8100 or email info@trulife.co.uk

WIRELESS PAGER SUPPORTS STAFF OUR Wireless Direct Pocket Pager enhances care provision in any setting by supporting staff in their roles.

Allows connection to unlimited peripheral telecare devices, meaning instant alerts – fully customisable to each user.

Simplicare Assist 24 – a complete telecare solution.

Pre -programmable alert duration and urgency parameters.

Assign locations to compatible devices.

Installation and maintenance available.

Compatible with our range of telecare devices* including: Wireless / wired call point PIR movement sensor Floor pressure mat Bed/chair occupancy sensors Easy-press alert button Many more options available

Packages start from £199*.

Enquiries: For full specifications and to speak to an adviser call 0845 548 5573 or visit www.simplicarecentre.co.uk Please contact us for more details.

Items, maintenance and installation purchased separately, terms and conditions apply, offer subject to change.

THE ADVANCE OF SKINGUARD® TECHNOLOGY SKINGUARD® Technology protects the product and also the skin which comes into contact with the product against a broad range of microorganisms. It reduces the formation of odours and discolouration, extends the lifespan of the products, resulting in healthier skin and greater comfort for the wearer. Various anti-bacterial substances based on different active principles are used.

In addition to the 6Y75 Transtibial and 6Y85 Transfemoral SkinGuard® Technology SIL Liner, Ottobock is now able to offer the SkinGuard® Technology also with our 6Y522/6Y523 Simplicity® Tapered PUR and 6Y512 Anatomic 3D PUR Liner.

Enquiries: For more information contact customer services on 0845 600 7664, speak to your local representative or visit www.ottobock.co.uk

PRODUCTS

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Enquiries: Visit www.kingkraft.co.uk or telephone 0114 2690697.

FLEX-FOOT CHEETAH® THE Flex-Foot Cheetah is a carbon fibre prosthetic foot designed for amputees who participate in high impact sports like running and jumping.

It stores and releases energy produced when the user is running. On impact it compresses and absorbs high level loads that would otherwise be taken by the runners’ lower limb joints. It then returns back to its original shape, effectively propelling the runner forwards.

Unlike a normal prosthetic foot the Cheetah has no heel component.This ensures that the prosthetic foot’s reaction accurately mimics that of an able-bodied runner. A number of configurations are available to suit individual need.

The Cheetah is the favoured prosthetic foot for amputees ranging from recreational runners to medal winning Paralympians.The Flex-Foot Cheetah is used by an increasing number of amputees keen to engage in sport. It has been used to break many sporting world records such as the new T44 100m record of 10.85s which was set in Indianapolis earlier this year.

For further information, contact Paul Jamieson on 07788 726511.

GENU AREXA – INNOVATION IN DETAIL THESE days we put a lot of value on good design and perfect function and this was our guide in developing the Genu Arexa.We wanted to show that rehabilitation devices can be just as visually appealing as they are effective.The Genu Arexa fits the knee like a glove thanks to autoadaptive wings, the innovative Click 2 Go system and smart padding solutions. So, for those who are suffering from ACL/PCL ligament ruptures, collateral ligament injuries or following capsular ligament surgery this fusion of function and design means they will get the best rehabilitation possible.

Enquiries: For more information, contact customer services on 0845 600 7664, speak to your local representative, or visit www.ottobock.co.uk ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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PRODUCTS

BEAGLE EXPANDS PORTFOLIO BEAGLE Orthopaedic custom fabrication department has added another product to its growing portfolio. The ‘Torticollis Orthosis’ is designed to offer patients needing such a brace a long-term, comfortable solution to integrate into their daily life.

The orthosis is constructed from thermoformable plastics. Depending on expected function, the shoulder and head components are linked using an innovative hinge. This comprises multidirectional adjustment in the flexion/extension plane, rotational adjustment to ensure optimal stabilisation when correction is applied to the joint, and also allows the head component to be raised.

The orthosis is secured with a circumferential strap with ultra low profile buckle. Optional fastenings can be applied at supply to control the head.

Enquiries: Contact 01254 268788 for further details.

Decreases decompensation and coronal plane trunk shifts.

CAD/CAM designed asymmetrical TLSO Made to measures or cast.

Intended for full time brace treatment.

-PLUSAccess to the unique Spinal Scanning Online Rectification Tool Approve scans where necessary.

Modify more complex brace scans.

Communicate directly with factory.

Resulting in: Faster turnaround times.

Reduced risk of incorrect fittings.

Improved patient compliance.

Less clinical time.

Call now for further information Tel: +44 (0)1934 808416 Fax: +44 (0)1934 808405 Email : sales@denovohealthcare.com

Web: www.denovohealthcare.com Postal: 7 Mendip Business Park Mendip Road Rooksbridge Somerset BS26 2UG For more information, please visit the website www.bionicareuk.com, contact the customer service team, call 0121 475 1101 or email info@bionicareuk.com.

CUSTOM CTLSO – THE ANSWER TO ALL YOUR PROBLEMS

PAPERS CREATE COLOURFUL AND CREATIVE FINISH TO ORTHOTIC APPLIANCES

BEAGLE Orthopaedic houses a large spinal database of spinal models to suit a variety of patients.

From this extensive library we can manufacture your CTLSO using measures provided from a simple measurement chart, we then adapt the relevant model to meet the specification.

Each orthosis is fabricated to the patient’s unique model and your specifications, ensuring the optimum fit, support and comfort. A transfer pattern can be applied to brace (if required).

CTLSO’s are available as; bi-valve design finished to completion (no intermediate fitting) with a variety of liners such as cool foam, north foam 33®, evazote® and lambs wool.

The TLSO is then coupled with components from the innovative Aspen CTO to provide stability required for your patient in the upper thoracic and cervical region. This design offers a step-down reduction for ongoing rehabilitation therapy offering a highly effective motion restriction with a level of comfort that makes it well tolerated by patients.

Available in paediatric and adult sizes, the CTLSO can be delivered in three days (or less for urgent/trauma cases).

Enquiries: Contact customer services for a measurement chart on 01254 268788.

AORTHA Orthotic Transfer Papers from Algeos are most commonly used to create a colourful and creative finish to orthotic appliances.

Algeos offer an extensive range of high quality papers, with over 50 designs to choose from.

The papers will transfer to most thermoplastic materials.The heating process will intensify the pattern of your paper giving you a deep and lasting colour.

This quick and easy method of colouring will keep the surface homogeneous and resistant to scuffing and the lively designs make them ideal for paediatric appliances.

Use Aortha transfer papers to give your finished orthotic a unique and individual look.

Enquiries: Contact Algeos on 0151 448 1228, visit www.algeos.com or email sales@algeos.com

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE WHAT is BioniCare? – BioniCare is a non-surgical alternative treatment for uni, bi and tri-compartmental knee osteoarthritis.

It reduces the pain and symptoms associated with this condition. By simply wearing a knee brace in conjunction with a (patented) electrical impulse system.

BioniCare provides a clinically proven and cost effective alternative to knee surgery without any of the associated risks Now available in the UK, the BioniCare knee system has been used on over 80,000 patients in the USA with outstanding life changing results.

Enquiries: For more information visit www.bionicareuk.com or contact the customer service team on 0121 475 1101. Email info@bionicareuk.com 22

THE APELLO APPROACH TO SCOLIOSIS MANAGEMENT

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

TALARMADE LAUNCHES NEUROTEC NEUROLOGICAL ORTHOSES NEUROTEC – A range of high quality, innovative neurological orthoses designed to assist in the effective treatment of contractures and postural deformities.

The treatment rationale behind the NEUROTEC range is to provide comfortable, well-padded orthoses, which provide a low load progressive stretch to the affected area to gradually improve range of motion and reduce underlying tone.

These devices allow a limited amount of flexion and can therefore adapt with the patient during high tone episodes, returning via a spring back effect to their original position once the episode has passed.

The range includes products suitable for the treatment of all body areas.

Enquiries: For further information call 01246 268456 or visit www.TalarMade.com

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