No Limits Summer/Autumn 2013 - Dorset Orthopaedic

SUMMER/AUTUMN 2013
Revolutionary
Prosthetics and
Orthotics:
Comfort Fit Sockets ®
Advanced Technology in Action
Charlotte Jumps for Joy!
Prom Dress Prosthesis
more
inside!
© bnps.co.uk

Welcome to the Summer/Autumn 2013 Edition of our
newsletter. Including news of the first Carbon Technology
Lab in the UK, reducing the average weight of our Prosthetic
and Orthotic products by 50%.
We have had an increased
number of amputees fitted
with running blades since
the 2012 Olympics. As a
result, we have recently
invested in a unique
opportunity to manufacture
ultra-lightweight Carbon-
Composite prosthetics
and orthotics.
Our new Carbon
Technology Lab enables us to produce ultra-lightweight
carbon composite components. With up to 50% weightsaving
on products such as Comfort Fit Sockets®, our
in-house facility will provide significant benefits to our
prosthetic and orthotics clients.
After twenty-five years leading Dorset Orthopaedic’s
growth, I have become Chairman and David Hills,
formerly our Clinical Director, has become our new
Managing Director. I will continue to be actively involved
in the business, particularly with the development of
new products.
It’s been great to see two young ladies take
advantage of our world-class silicone in recent months.
Both for very different purposes – Isabelle was able to wear
high heels with confidence to her prom, whilst Hannah
throws herself out of planes, into water and around the
Polo pitch with her prosthesis!
Best Wishes,
Bob Watts, Chairman
Follow us on
© bnps.co.uk
Charlotte Jumps for Joy!
Charlotte Nott, aged 5, first visited David Hills on her knees. At just
2 years‐old, she lost all four limbs below the joints after contracting
Meningococcal Septicaemia.
In December 2012, Charlotte received some pink glittery prosthetic
legs from our Ringwood Clinic. Her parents saw the youngster’s confidence
grow and Charlotte walked for the very first time shortly after.
Charlotte’s mother Jenny explains: “When David first met Charlotte
she was just under 3 years old. Even 18 months after her operation, she still
couldn’t walk and was still on her knees. Just 6 weeks after visiting Dorset
Orthopaedic she was up and walking around. David’s face was a picture!”
Most recently, Charlotte took final delivery of a pair of running blades
from the clinic to give her more freedom and join in with her friends. Jenny
says: “If she didn’t have the blades she couldn’t jump or run. They have given
her comfort, confidence and independence and the
change is overwhelming”.
David designed the lightweight running limbs
incorporating Charlotte’s local football team, Oxford
United, who have offered support to Charlotte and
her family.
“As her Prosthetist, it has been great to see Charlotte
rapidly progress. From not being able to walk when I
first met her, she is now up and about on her first pair of
blades with a big smile. She has also had physiotherapy
with us at Dorset Orthopaedic and her balance has
improved dramatically.” (David Hills)
No limits Summer/Autumn 2013

Prom Dress Prosthesis
Isabelle Papandroniciou hit the headlines recently modelling her new prosthetic
leg, custom-designed to wear high-heels for a key event in every teenager’s life, her
High‐School prom!
Isabelle, aged 15, suffered from a rare congenital disease at only 18-months-old and
underwent various operations that left one leg shorter than the other. Twelve months ago,
Isabelle made the difficult decision to have her leg amputated below the knee.
Isabelle visited Clinician, Paul Neve, at our Ringwood Clinic, who worked closely with
Isabelle to create a tailor-made prosthetic leg with a heeled foot that allowed her to wear high
heels. The cosmetic appearance and practicality was really important for Isabelle. Paul handcast
her left calf in order to precisely match and mimic the shape on her right leg.
Paul said: “To make the prosthesis as aesthetically and cosmetically pleasing as possible,
we spent a lot of time moulding the sound foot in order to make a match for Isabelle’s
prosthesis. I also liaised closely with Isabelle to make sure the prosthesis suited her needs and
we discussed different heel heights. We colour-matched the silicone coating to her skin to
make the leg look unbelievably real.”
Isabelle now has the freedom to wear
skirts and dresses with heels. She was thrilled
to be able to dance at her Leaver’s Ball in North
London, showing off her prosthesis in sparkling
high heels and glamorous flowing red dress.
Isabelle said: “Everyone was so surprised at how
real it looked. Going to the prom was brilliant!
It felt great to go all glammed up and look
girlie because at parties everyone can wear
heels but I normally have to wear flat shoes.”
© bnps.co.uk
Thank You for My
‘Life Without Limits’
“Ten years ago I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (a rare form
of bone cancer) that resulted in the amputation of my right leg
below the knee. At the time, I would never have thought I would
be able to live a normal, active life again. If only I knew at the
time how wrong I was!
I have two, high definition silicone legs from Dorset: one
for day-to-day use and one for water sports. My sports leg has
been through skydiving, wakeboarding, rowing, sailing, rugby,
golf and so the list goes on! I’m also an avid polo player and
when I bash up and down the polo pitch, I can honestly say my
leg does not affect my ability in the slightest, although it would
of course be nice to blame it on a day when I don’t play so well!
Dorset Orthopaedics’ ability to provide limbs that not only
look real, right down to the definition in your toe nails, but to
also provide limbs that enable people to be as active (or as
inactive) as they like really makes their slogan of “life without
limits” more true than ever. I can honestly say my life would not
be the same without my prostheses. In fact I am eager to have
more, perhaps for some cute heeled shoes on a night out!
Thank you to Dorset Orthopaedic for making limbs
that allow me to live the life I want, I sure hope to put your
equipment to good use and hopefully push the boundaries
of the “possible” whenever I can. See you soon for a re-cover!”
(Hannah Cotterell, Below Knee Amputee)
www.dorset-ortho.com

Revolutionary Prosthetics and Orthotics
Used in Formula One racing cars and high-performance aircrafts,
carbon composites are ultra-lightweight and exceptionally strong.
After a long period of evaluation, we have recently invested in the
capability to manufacture in-house products using this spaceage
technology. By using this new carbon technology in our
prosthetic and orthotic product design, we have addressed the
need to significantly reduce weight and bulk in our products.
Advanced Technology in Action
We are the first Prosthetic Company in the UK to introduce a
new in-house Carbon Technology Laboratory to produce both
Prosthetic and Orthotic products.
We have invested time researching, developing and training
our skilled technicians to produce bespoke products in our
new Carbon Technology Lab. The new Carbon Technology uses
pre-impregnated carbon fibre to create Prosthetic and Orthotic
products, which on average are half the weight of products using
traditional processes. By using pre-impregnated Carbon Fibre, the
ratio of resin to carbon material is reduced. This ultimately makes the
Prosthesis or Orthosis stronger, as excess amounts of resin as found
in traditional layups can become brittle and can crack and break.
Our technicians build up layers of the ‘pre-preg’ carbon fibre
onto a cast of a client’s limb. They can reinforce the strength and
support in key areas by orientating the weaves in the fibre to
different degrees against the cast; thus altering the flexibility or
rigidity of the product. These products are made by hand; creating
a bespoke product that is stronger, lighter and more flexible
where needed.
We are able to offer this technology in clinics throughout the
UK and across a broad range of products such as Partial feet, AFOs
(Ankle Foot Orthoses), KAFOs (Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses) and
Comfort Fit Sockets® for both upper and lower limb extremity clients.
“We have already seen huge
improvements in a very short
space of time. The new Carbon
Technology products are suitable
for various clients, especially
young children or elderly clients
who may struggle with the weight
of prosthetic limbs, as well as
clients wishing to compete in
intensive sport or active hobbies.”
Matthew Hughes
No limits Summer/Autumn 2013

Comfort Fit Sockets ®
Our Comfort Fit Sockets® incorporate years of experience,
research and technology to produce comfortable prosthetic
sockets for our clients.
It is a well-known fact that comfort is always at the top of
any amputee’s list of priorities when testing a new prosthesis.
Without a comfortably fitting socket, no matter how clever
or sophisticated the componentry may be, the prosthesis will
never be entirely satisfactory.
Through experience and a skilled eye, a bespoke
handcrafted socket really makes a huge difference. Of course,
when manufactured from ‘space-age’ material, using new
carbon technology, one can achieve an incredible combination
of comfort and lightness.
“This new facility will be a huge
benefit to clients who find their
prosthetics or orthotics heavy or
lacking in flexibility. Our new Carbon
Technology products are ultralightweight
and incredibly strong.”
David Hills
www.dorset-ortho.com

Life without
limits
Read some of our inspiring case studies from clients that
have reaped the benefits of our Comfort Fit Sockets® and
revolutionary prosthetic technology.
A Faultless Fit
In July 2006 ex-Police Detective Malcolm, aged 62, was
on ‘Covert Surveillance’ duty, following suspected drug
dealers undercover when a car collided with his motorbike,
resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee.
Malcolm first attended Dorset Orthopaedic in 2011,
where David Hills acted as his Expert Witness in his legal case.
Malcolm says: “I quickly realised Dorset Orthopaedic was
leading the field in prosthetic rehabilitation, so I wanted to be
with the top company!”
With the support of the legal case, Malcolm was
prescribed the advanced Genium® Knee by Ottobock. This
one-of-a-kind prosthetic knee utilises sophisticated software
to turn multiple environmental inputs (a complex sensor
system, including a gyroscope and an accelerometer)
into the most natural, intuitive motion available.
This year, Malcolm sought David’s advice
once more in preparation for an epic 350-mile
‘Big Battlefield Bike Ride (BBBR)’ from Paris to
Genium®
Knee
London in support of Help for Heroes. David
and Malcolm worked together to create a
Comfort Fit Socket tailor-made for Malcolm’s
bike, designed around the shape of his saddle to
endure long distances.
“The socket performed faultlessly – I honestly
don’t think I could have done the ride without the
bespoke socket design socket from Dorset Orthopaedic.
I cannot fault it for both comfort and fit!” (Malcolm Hingle)
© bnps.co.uk
Blade Running with Confidence
Horse riding cost 47-year-old Belinda Gatland her left leg 7 years
ago. But with a new running blade from Dorset Orthopaedic, she
is now able to run confidently for the first time since she was 21.
In April 1988, Belinda aged 21, was amateur jump racing,
leading 20 lengths ahead of all the other riders, but as Belinda
approached the straight her horse U-turned 360 degrees in a freak
accident. Belinda fell from her horse, shattering her ankle.
After suffering on-going operations and complications for a
staggering 15 years, Belinda’s 11th and final operation, in 2006, was
to amputate her left leg below the knee.
Belinda received her new running blade from Bob Watts this
summer. Fitted with a Comfort Fit Socket, the blade utilises our
newly developed Carbon Technology. Having not run properly since
she was 21, Belinda was nervous but had faith in her new socket:
“Without a doubt I will be able to run with my new socket
because I trust Bob and Dorset Orthopaedic implicitly. I have total
confidence in Dorset Orthopaedic.”
True to her word, within 5 minutes of putting on her running
blade for the first time, Belinda ran out of the clinic and around the
car park. With tears of joy flooding her eyes she sighed:
“That’s the first time I have been able to run confidently and
properly since I was 21-years-old and it feels light, natural and great!
Every amputee should have one!”
Dorset Orthopaedic also previously made Belinda a customdesigned
horse riding prosthesis, tailor-made to allow her leg to sit
in stirrups, giving her the correct positioning she needs to ride. Until
very recently, Belinda was able to compete in Para Dressage with this
leg and was one of the top 16 riders in Great Britain.
No limits Summer/Autumn 2013

Bionic Handyman
© bnps.co.uk
Self-Employed Engineer Christopher Taylor featured in the
National Press earlier this year as the first client in UK to receive
the groundbreaking Michelangelo® Hand.
Following a freak jet-ski accident in 2009, David Hills acted as
Chris’ Expert Witness in a successful legal case. This provided Chris
with the funds to purchase the state-of-the-art bionic hand.
The Michelangelo Hand from Ottobock offers advanced,
never-before-seen complex gripping kinematics, giving those with
upper extremity limb loss maximum independence and flexibility by
restoring numerous hand functions for the user.
Chris says: “The fingers move like a natural hand and I particularly
like the way I can very quickly change the type of grip needed for
a variety of everyday tasks, as easily as moving my remaining good
hand.” Chris also took advantage of our multidiscipline approach,
incorporating our physiotherapy, occupational therapy and
counselling rehabilitation services.
© JP Events Photography
Run Forest Run!
There’s no stopping Colin Edwards, fondly nicknamed ‘Forest’
by his peers, with his new Comfort Fit Socket.
Colin, aged 57, is an inspiration. Equipped with his new
Comfort Fit Socket, he completed ‘The Grizzly’, a gruelling 20-mile
off road run for the sixth time this year, as well as the 30-mile
Salcombe Coastal Marathon!
Matthew Hughes explains: “You can have the best prostheses
in the world, but if the socket is not comfortable, nothing is going
to be right in everyday activity, let alone competing in intensive
sport that Colin whole-heartedly enjoys.”
After completing The Grizzly, Colin commented: “After such
an extreme run I was expecting some sores on my stump, but
I didn’t suffer from any sores or abrasions from my socket from
Dorset Orthopaedic. I was so impressed!”
© bnps.co.uk
www.dorset-ortho.com

News
Keeping
Active with
a SAFO ®
Sports-teacher Neil Joisce suffered an injury
over 10 years ago that stopped him playing
semi-professional sports, but with a SAFO® he
continues to lead an incredibly active lifestyle.
In 2002, Neil was involved in a collision on his
right knee whilst playing rugby that resulted in
various ligament, tendon and nerve damage. Since
the accident, Neil has endured nine operations
on his leg and one on his back. His injuries have
resulted in ‘Drop Foot’, whereby the muscles
that actively dorsiflex the ankle and foot have
weakened, causing difficulty in lifting his foot up.
Neil received his newest SAFO (Silicone Ankle
Foot Orthosis) from the Dorset Orthopaedic team
earlier this year. The award-winning Orthosis
supports the front of Neil’s leg down to the top of
his foot. This helps Neil lift his foot whilst his leg
swings during walking. Without the SAFO, Neil
feels he could not keep up with his active lifestyle
and career as a Physical Education teacher:
“The SAFO is vital for me to be able to do my
job effectively. As a qualified sports teacher I need
to be able to coach pupils, referee sports matches
and stay active. The SAFO lets me do this.”
Our New
Prosthetist
and Orthotist
We welcome our newest Prosthetist, Orthotist and first class graduate George
Banwell. The last graduate fresh out of University that we recruited was Matthew
Hughes, over 12 years ago, who has recently settled into his new role as Ringwood
Clinic Manager. Now Matt has taken George under his wing, who graduated with
a first class honours degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics, from Salford University
earlier this year. “My interests in prosthetics stems from my childhood where I had
an interest in robotics. However, I found that working with components didn’t
give me the same satisfaction as working to help people.” George is based at our
Ringwood Clinic and will consult both Orthotic and Prosthetic patients.
We look forward to catching up with George soon and wish him a very warm
welcome to Dorset Orthopaedic!
To further support our sustained
growth and to improve our Customer
Services, we have recently appointed
Nicki Hodson-Walker as our
Customer Service Coordinator and
recruited Megan Wilkinson, as our
new Customer Service Assistant.
We pride ourselves on providing
excellent customer services to all our
clients and recognise the importance
of listening to our customers. Nicki will
lead the team, aiming to develop our
strong communications between clients
and clinicians. The team will offer caring
support to guide you through your
rehabilitation and Prosthetic or Orthotic
solutions. They will assist in organising
your first consultation with one of
our expert clinicians, right through to
delivery and aftercare service.
To enquire please email enquiry@
dorset-ortho.com or call 01425 481740.
Dedicated
Customer
Services Team
Dorset Orthopaedic Company Ltd
11 Headlands Business Park, Salisbury Road
Ringwood, Hants BH24 3PB
+44 (0) 1425 481740 enquiry@dorset-ortho.com
www.dorset-ortho.com
© 2013 Dorset Orthopaedic Co Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ringwood | Burton | London | Taunton | Newcastle | Leeds