By Dominic Musgrave

ENGINEERS have developed a new type ofmicrochip muscle stimulator implant that willenable people with paraplegia to exercisetheir paralysed leg muscles.

It is the first time that researchers havedeveloped a device of this kind that is smallenough to be implanted into the spinal canaland incorporates the electrodes and musclestimulator in one unit. The implant is the sizeof a child’s fingernail.

The Engineering and Physical SciencesResearch Council (EPSRC) project is being ledby professor Andreas Demosthenous fromUniversity College London, and includesengineers from Freiburg University and theTyndall Institute in Cork.

He said: “The work has the potential tostimulate more muscle groups than iscurrently possible with existing technologybecause a number of these devices can beimplanted into the spinal canal.

“Stimulation of more muscle groups meansusers can perform enough movement tocarry out controlled exercise such as cyclingor rowing.

“The devices could also be used for a widerange of restorative functions such asstimulating bladder muscles to helpovercome incontinence and stimulating

nerves to improve bowel capacity andsuppress spasms.”

The research team has overcome previouslimitations by micro-packaging everythinginto one tiny unit.

Latest laser processing technology has beenused to cut tiny electrodes from platinumfoil.

These are then folded into a 3D shape whichlooks like the pages of a book, earning thedevice the name of the Active Book. Thepages close in around the nerve roots.

They are micro-welded to a silicon chip whichis hermetically sealed to protect againstwater penetration, which can lead tocorrosion of the electronics.

The innovation, which will be made availablefor pilot studies sometime next year, hasbeen welcomed by Universities and ScienceMinister David Willetts.

He said: “The Active Book is a good exampleof how UK scientists and engineers aretranslating research into innovations thatdeliver real benefits for society.

“This tiny implant has the potential to makea real difference to the lives and long-termhealth of people with paraplegia in the UKand around the world.”

The project is co-led by Professor NickDonaldson of University College London.

New microchipimplant to exercise paralysed muscles

The X Factor finalists including Matt Cardle (pictured) havereunited to record a charity single to raise funds for Help ForHeroes. Money raised from Heroes, originally sung by DavidBowie, will go towards services for injured men and women ofthe British Armed Forces. The song stormed straight to the top ofthe charts.

INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE ISSUE 76 December 10/January 11 £6.95

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new

s Redundant teammarches on andopens new storeA SHOE shop team who haveovercome recession redundanciesby opening their own store arelooking forward to a successful firstChristmas.

The six women lost their jobs whentheir former employer the FaithFootwear chain went in toadministration back in April.

The Faith name and remainingstock was eventually purchased byanother company, but not before all72 high street stores were closedand the majority of employees weremade redundant.

However, former store managerJustina Pay, her deputy RoxanneRansom and the rest of the teamdecided to fight against theprospect of unemployment by takingsteps to open a new shoe shop inthe very same premises.

Seven weeks after administratorsshut their Chelmsford store, itreopened as a new independentbusiness with new stock, a newlook and a new name, ‘Hope’.

Justina said: “We have been on areally big learning curve. We’vetravelled the UK to visit oldsuppliers, rehired formercolleagues, refitted a tired old storeand launched a new brand onto thehigh street.

“When we opened Hope fourmonths ago we did not know whatto expect and we are so grateful tothe people who have got behind us,both locally in store and nationallythrough our website.

“We’ve still got a lot to learn, butwe are confident that we can beatthis recession.”

So far the response to the store bycustomers shopping in the area hasbeen very positive and the teamnow hope to repeat this success ina second store next year, and arealready viewing empty shops in thenearby towns of Basildon,Colchester and Ipswich.

Roxanne said: “Being maderedundant was one of the worstexperiences of my life, but

reopening the branch has been oneof the best.

“Where our previous employerstruggled to meet local demandwe’ve been able to respond andreact, for example, Chelmsford ishome of the ‘V Festival’ and for thefirst time in years we had enoughwellie boots in stock for hundredsof unprepared festival goers.

“Right now we’re trying to sourcemore shoes suitable for Christmasparties, we’re being challenged tokeep up with demand.”

The team are now working onkeeping one of the promises theymade when they opened the store -to help charity – and have identifieda group of disadvantaged childrenin Romania to support.

To do this they have joined forceswith the local Anglia RuskinUniversity ‘Raise and Give Society’and are asking the public to bring inshoe boxes containing gifts ordonate funds atwww.christmashopeappeal.co.uk.

Adventure footwear brandTeva has launched acompetition giving fans thechance to escape toparadise. The lucky winners will begiven the opportunity tovisit Fiji’s Viti Levu Island,experience the UpperNavua Gorge and sail aluxury yacht in the southPacific. Liz Ferrin, Teva Globalbranded content manager,said: “Through the TevaHouse competition, we’reoffering our tribe a chanceto escape from theireveryday lives and takepart in something bigger.“It’s about enjoying andparticipating ininspirational adventuresand experiences.”For your chance to makethe trip with Teva visit:www.tevahouse.co.uk.

Liberty hunting out creative passionNEW designers are being given thechance to have their products soldat Liberty in the 2011 Best ofBritish Open Call.

Now in its third year, the compet-ition aims to recognise and supportnew and emerging British designstalent and is calling for new talentto come forward with their ideas.

A panel of experts includingLiberty’s MD Ed Burstell and his

buying team, will pick the bestdesigns to be sold in store, as wellas offering support to help thedesigners get their product selling.

From handbags to hats and fashionto furniture, Liberty is encouraginganyone with a creative passion tobring in their designs for the panelto judge. Some of the storescurrent best selling products havebeen developed at previous Open

Calls including Michael Birch andRichard Weston scarves and LostProperty bags. The event will takeplace on 5 February and designerswill have three minutes to pitchtheir products to the panel.

The successful candidates will thenbe invited back to the store for aformal meeting with the buyingteam to discuss becoming asupplier.

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A PHYSIOTHERAPIST based in Stafford isset to spend five months in Mexicosetting up a project for people whocannot afford healthcare.

Laura Brown is travelling to the coastaltown of Puerta Vallarta to help disabledpeople with muscle and joint problems.

She will be treating locals and trying toprovoke more permanent changes bysetting up an education and trainingprogramme.

Laura told Assistive Technologies she wasinspired to make the journey aftervolunteering in schools and day centres inthe region last September. She added:“The previous trip was an amazingexperience and really eye-opening. It’svery different to working in the NHS. Thechildren we were working with didn’thave basic things like wheelchairs andsplints and the services are sounderstaffed.

“So, initially, I’m going out by myself tosee how feasible it is to set up somethingmore permanent to help out there buteven if it doesn’t work I’ll have beenthere and put equipment in place.”

Laura hopes her international project –which she is calling Therapies Unite – will

be able to place skilled and qualifiedprofessionals in places that will benefitmost from their expertise.

She added: “There is so much more thatcan be done so I set up Therapies Unite,which will involve me offering my servicesas a physiotherapist, as well as takingequipment out with me, and setting upeducation and training programmes, sothere is a more permanent change.

“Therapies Unite is for qualifiedhealthcare professionals, with specificskills to offer, so they can go over thereand really make a difference.”

Laura, who works in Stafford andCannock Chase hospitals, is set to fly outto South America and is appealing tocharitable individuals and companies tohelp fund the project, donate specialistphysiotherapy and medical equipment,and provide items for a charity raffle.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to make areal, visible difference to people’s lives,”she said. “The money raised will be usedto ensure that the help that people needis delivered directly to them within theircommunity.” Laura with a youngster on a previous trip to Mexico

Physiotherapist Lauraprepares for Mexicanhealthcare project

International recognition for researchA TRAUMA and orthopaedicconsultant from Lincoln CountyHospital has been internationallyrecognised for the quality of hisresearch.

Professor Mohammad Maqsoodrecently presented two papers at aconference hosted by the German-Syrian Orthopaedic Association inDamascus, Syria, on knee fracture andcartilage repair.

The association selected one of

Professor Maqsood’s papers ‘Lockingpercutaneous plating for fracturearound the knee joint’ as a bestresearch paper of the conference andhe was awarded with a shield award.

During his presentation, Mohammadintroduced a new definition offracture and highlighted theimportance of soft tissue.

He added: “A fracture is a soft tissueinjury with broken bone inside. Thishighlights the importance of muscles,

tendons and ligaments to brokenbones.

“In the past, surgeons were onlyconcentrating on mending the brokenbones and placing

less importance on soft tissues, whichachieves less desirable results.”

The winning research paper describeda minimally invasive technique to fixfractures around the knee joint. Thisis a new technique pioneered by

Mohammad which involves minimalsoft tissue damage during surgeryand avoids the patient having tohave plaster casts and otherimmobilisation splints after surgery.

With this new surgery, patients canstart moving the fractured limb a fewhours after surgery and he usedexamples in his presentation fromprocedures carried out at LincolnCounty Hospital.

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AmputeeRyan takessilver medalin rowingBy Dominic Musgrave

A BELOW-the-knee amputee who,up until last year had never sat in arowing boat before, claimed a silvermedal for Great Britain at the World Championships in NewZealand.

Six foot five Ryan Chamberlain wasidentified as a potential adaptiverower at a Paralympic Potential day in October 2009 and, sincetaking to the water, he has won agold medal in all of his internationalraces.

Ryan, with some rapid prostheticsupport from PACE Rehabilitation, is the sole amputee in the Siemens backed and Lottery funded Great Britain LTA (Leg, Trunk and Arm) mixed coxed fourteam.

Initially, he rowed without aprosthesis, but his coach Tom Dysoncontacted PACE, knowing that their prosthetist Jamie Gillespie was a former amputee rower, to see if they could assist at shortnotice.

He added: “We haven’t had long towork with Ryan.

“However, from my own rowingexperience, I know what does anddoesn’t work in a rowing boat, interms of prosthetics.

“So we have been able to apply this knowledge to Ryan’s prosthetic provision, which willhopefully benefit him and his crew in the Great Britain squad.”

The PACE provision has beenpossible with support from theBritish Olympic Association and GB Rowing, along with permissionfrom Roehampton DisablementService Centre, to use Ryan’sprosthetic foot and ankle from theirprosthesis.

Ryan originally attempted to use hiseveryday device, but it was notsuitable and, following discussionswith his NHS prosthetist, his centre inRoehampton provided him with a ‘rowing prosthesis’ earlier thisyear.

He added: “Although it’s fine ingeneral life, it is not designed for

rowing and it quickly becameobvious that I was going to need amore specialised one.

“It was a significant improvement,but as I have gained more experiencein the boat and improved, the GB coaches and I realised that a new prosthetic socket would berequired for the WorldChampionships.

“The new leg is amazing. It hastaken a little getting used to, but ithas made a difference both on theerg and the water.

“We came second in the final,pipped on the line by the Canadians,but it was an extremely close race.We are looking forward to gettingback to training and beating themnext year.”

Ryan Chamberlain

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Human eyecontrols newwireless robotA STUDENT from the University ofBradford has developed a wirelessrobot which is controlled by usingthe human eye.

The project uses sophisticated eye-tracking technology and couldchange the lives of thousands ofdisabled people.

Suraj Verma, a Master’s of Sciencestudent from the University’s Schoolof Engineering, Design andTechnology, has created the robot,under the supervision of lecturer DrPrashant Pillai.

Intelligent Recognition for InteractiveSystems (IRIS) Communication, thename given to the project, has beendeveloped to employ eye-trackingtechnology in the field of roboticnavigation, home automation andmedia and marketing research.

Dr Prashant Pillai said a head-mounted eye tracker has beendeveloped which detects themovement of the human eye andaccordingly controls the navigationof the robot via Bluetooth.

He added: “The advanced eye-tracking technology used in this

project has several practical futureapplications in the research area ofassisted living, especially for thedisabled.

“The technology used in this projectcould be extended to control anelectric wheelchair by just looking inthe direction in which you want it togo, and this is what we would like toexplore next.”

The developed system can also turnon/off lights and other electricalappliances in the room using theX10 wireless protocol – anopen standard for wireless control ofhousehold electronic devicesusing bursts of radio frequencysignals.

The main aim of this project was toaid physically challenged people incommunicating and being able tocontrol their household appliances.

Systems using sound and touch tocontrol a computer are available tohelp disabled people, but the IRISCommunication system uses eye-tracking to control the computer andother household appliances.

A SOLDIER who had his left legamputated in Afghanistan when thevehicle he was driving hit a roadsidebomb appeared in the Royal BritishLegion’s Poppy Appeal campaign.As well as having his leg amputated,the blast in December 2008 also leftgunner Mark Stonelake with a badlydamaged right foot, fractured back,broken bones in both legs andbroken nose, jaw and teeth. A friend and colleague also in the

vehicle at the time has been leftpermanently brain-damaged by theincident, and has to communicatethrough a computer.Mark, who still serves in the BritishArmed Forces is one of the firstwounded soldiers to have benefitedfrom the Battle Back programmewhile receiving treatment at HeadleyCourt. Mark appeared in the Legion’sPoppy Appeal poster campaign andTV commercial.

Injured soldier fronts campaign

New stroke unit will save lives and reducelikelihood of disabilityA NEW service to be launched inJanuary will save lives and reduce thelikelihood of disability for the manypeople in Lancashire who experiencea stroke.

The service will see patients whohave had a stroke going to PrestonHospital where they will receivespecialist emergency treatment.

This includes a new thrombolysisservice for those who will benefitfrom it – around 10 per cent of the500 stroke patients who go toLancashire Teaching Hospitals everyyear.

The stroke unit at Chorley Hospitalwill become a dedicatedrehabilitation centre. This will ensurethat care for people who have had astroke takes place in a specialist unit,in line with national guidelines.

The changes follow a successfulthrombolysis pilot run by the hospitaland NHS Central Lancashire whichstarted in April at Preston Hospital.

Nine of the 11 patients who tookpart in the pilot had a much betterrecovery than expected, and sevenrecovered completely. They alsorecovered more quickly, and wereable to leave hospital twice as earlyas patients who had not hadthrombolysis.

Dr Shuja Punekar, consultant strokephysician at Lancashire TeachingHospitals, said: “Around 10 per centof stroke patients benefit fromthrombolysis.

“When treatment is given withinthree hours from the onset ofsymptoms, patients often make anear complete recovery.

“Current evidence suggests this newservice will improve outcomes forhundreds of patients who experiencea stroke in Lancashire every year. Thenew service will save around 10 livesevery year and reduce the impact ofdisability for around 70 strokepatients.”

School cuts underminefight against obesityCUTS to funding for school sportsrisk undermining efforts to combatobesity, the Chartered Society ofPhysiotherapy has warned.

The government plans to scrap the£162 million school sportspartnerships programme, which payscoordinators to organise clubs,fixtures and competitions.

The CSP believes the important workdone by the partnershipscomplements initiatives such as thephysiotherapy-led Move for Healthcampaign, which encourageschildren to get the one hour ofexercise they need each day.

Chief executive Phil Gray said: “Themove to cut funding for sport inschools seems a poor decision at acritical time in the battle to improvechildren's health and prevent obesityin adults. Every day physiotherapiststreat adults who are experiencinginjury or illness as a consequence ofinactivity.

“With approximately one third ofchildren aged two to 15 in Englandoverweight or obese, there is a riskthat by scrapping school sportspartnerships we are creating futuregenerations of patients.”

The proposed cuts have beenopposed by the National Obesity

Forum, the Youth Sport Trust, andsporting superstars such as OlympianDarren Campbell and Englandfootballer David James.

The government says the currentsystem is not working and decisionsshould be taken on a local level byheadteachers.

Darren Campbell

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A GOLD medal winning Paralympicswimming champion and afirefighter who lost part of his leg ina motorcycle crash shared theirexperiences at a conference ondiversity and equality at theUniversity of Worcester.

Breaststroke and individual medleyswimmer Sascha Kindred OBE won atotal of six Paralympic, eight World

and 11 European Championshipgold medals, and has representedGreat Britain in four ParalympicGames. In addition, he currentlyholds a number of British, European,Paralympic and World records.

He was also recently appointed as asports ambassador for theHerefordshire and Worcester Olympicand Paralympic Ambassador Group.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Mark Yates, Sascha Kindred OBE, professor David Green, University of Worcester vice chancellor Simon Hawkins,and Zahoor Ahmad, head of organisational development at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

Sascha said: “When I was youngerthe local swimming club wouldn’taccept me because of my disability.But with the help of my family wegot past that and at the age of 13 Imade it into the Great Britain squad.

“Conferences like this are reallyimportant to show people that adisability should not stop you fromdoing anything you want to do andthat they are able to do the samethings as everyone else.”

Simon Hawkins became the firstfirefighter in Europe to return tofront line duty after losing part of hisleg.

The firefighter with Hereford andWorcester Fire and Rescue Servicewas seriously injured in a motorcyclecrash in 2004, and had to have hislower left leg amputated.

He thought he would never walk

again, but just five months after hisaccident, he returned to work in anon-operational role before goingonto becoming the first firefighter inthe UK and Europe to return to fulloperational duties with a prostheticleg.

Simon, who received help andsupport with his rehabilitation fromthe University of Worcester’s Motionand Performance Centre, added:“The person I am now is a productof the people around me, beingsupportive and giving me hope.

“The Fire Service stayed in contactwith me every week, and the aftercare I received was phenomenal.”

Both men were speakers at theUniversity of Worcester’s annualdiversity and equality conference,which was supported by Herefordand Worcester Fire and RescueService.

Experiences shared at diversity conference

Sir Jimmy Savile joined the mayor and mayoress of Wakefield at the opening of theRegional Spinal Injuries Centre’s new £2m rehabilitation facilities.The facilities at Pinderfields Hospital, which have been built using funds donated to theTrust by charity The Stepping Stones Appeal, house some of the best rehabilitationequipment in the country.There was also a plaque unveiling by Veronica Trueman as the sports hall is beingdedicated to her husband, the late cricketer Fred Trueman OBE.Picture: Sir Jimmy Savile with a patient and member of staff

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By Dominic Musgrave

THE physiotherapist who helpeddiver Tom Daley win two goldmedals at the CommonwealthGames is hoping to make a splash inhis new role at a North Eastuniversity.

Gareth Ziyambi, formerly the leadphysiotherapist for British diving, hasrelocated to join The PerformanceClinic, based in the University ofSunderland’s award-winningCitySpace.

The clinic provides world-classphysiotherapy and sports injuryrehabilitation and performanceservices for elite and recreationalathletes.

Gareth said: “I was looking for achange in lifestyle having worked inelite sports for 11 years and saw ThePerformance Clinic as a greatopportunity.

“I thought it would be nice to take abreak and absolutely lovedSunderland when I came to visit. Iwill still maintain my links with elitesports and will be travelling with theGB teams as and when they needme.

“But the work here in a private clinic

gives me a really nice balance.

“I like the fact that the clinic is rightnext to the university gym, and CitySpace is a really nice open area witha hub for entertainment.

“I think as a physio you want to feellike you're part of a community ofpeople, because this is very much apublic relations job, so to be basedin a facility like this fits in perfectly.”

Gareth trained and qualified inZimbabwe and has workedextensively with elite andprofessional athletes since 1998.

The 36-year-old has worked with anumber of national teams includinghockey, rugby, gymnastics, Davis Cuptennis, swimming and athletics.

He has also attended two Olympicsand All-Africa Games as chiefphysiotherapist to Team Zimbabwe.He was physiotherapist to the AfricaAthletics team during the inauguralAfro-Asia Games in 2003.

Since moving to the UK in 2004,Gareth joined the English Institute ofSport and has worked in athletics,boxing, volleyball and table tennis.

Gareth Ziyambi

Diving physio takeson new university role

Andrewhopes climbwill inspireothersA LINCOLN above-the-kneeamputee has achieved hisultimate dream of climbing to thetop of one of the world's mostchallenging peaks.Andrew Skinner, a 40-year-oldwho is a member of theParalympics’ Great Britishvolleyball squad, set his sights onconquering the gruellingchallenge to raise money forLimbpower, a charity whichspecialises in offering relief to thephysically disabled. He said that,along with six other amputeesand nine support staff, he hasraised more than £18,000 for thecharity.“I've always been an extremelyactive person and I didn't wantmy disability to stop me fromachieving the goals I still wantedto reach,” he added. “TheMount Kilimanjaro challenge wasmy biggest to date, and I hopemy adventure can ins-pire otheramputees that they can enjoy anactive lifestyle and achieve theirown goals – no matter how smallthe challenge may be.”

SUNDERLAND and Englandstriker Darren Bent openedCambridgeshire SportsPhysio and Back Care’s newpractice in Hampton.

The new venture has been set up to providephysiotherapy treatmentand patient care to the localcommunity.

Cambridgeshire Sports Physio and Back Care wasestablished in 2003, initiallyoperating from the home of

Matt and Sara Taylor.Darren met the growingteam a few years ago whenhe used their gym facilitiesfor summer training andopened their Huntingdonpractice when the businessgrew.

Some of Cambridgeshire’stop athletes – runners,footballers, gymnasts,golfers, rugby and tennisplayers – are part of theclient base.Darren (centre) with the team at the new practice

Darren opens practice

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Two members of Kirton Healthcare Group’s customer service team have completed anNVQ level 2 in team leadership. Ann Kennedy and Dannie Fidler, who are both part of thecustomer service team, were presented with their certificates by managing directorAndrew Hardman. As part of the process, both were examined on their daily contactswith customers, on health and safety issues and on appropriate risk assessments.

Picture: Ann Kennedy and Dannie Fidler receive their certificates from Andrew Hardman

Workloads haveincreased for 85per cent of staffINCREASED workloads andrestructuring of services driven by thesqueeze on budgets and increasedcompetition are undermining thequality of patient care, a survey hasrevealed.The Chartered Society ofPhysiotherapy report has shown thatworkloads have increased over thepast year for 85 per cent of NHSphysiotherapy staff, with more than40 per cent saying this isundermining the quality of patientservices. More than 50 per cent of thesurvey’s respondents also saidrestructuring of services is hittingpatient services. Peter Finch, assistant director ofemployment relations and unionservices, said: “Our members arefacing a two-year pay freeze, threatsto their terms and conditions ofemployment and pensions, on top ofthe impact of the recent spendingreview and hikes in VAT and nationalinsurance.

“Increased workloads and therestructuring of services in responseto financial pressures and increasedcompetition in the NHS are alsohaving a negative effect on patientcare. “It is crucial that the NHS pay reviewbody recognises the longer-termimpact on motivation and morale,recruitment and retention thesepressures will have on NHS staff - letalone the real terms two-year paycut they are being asked to take.”The survey also found that almost 60per cent work more than theircontracted hours, and at least 70 percent are working extra hours for nopay. Morale has deteriorated overthe past year for the majority of NHSphysio staff. The survey, conducted by IDS onbehalf of health unions as part ofsubmissions to the NHS pay reviewbody, also found that six out of 10felt their latest pay rise wasoutweighed by cost of livingincreases.

£9k boost for African charityA CHARITY set up by an Edinburghlawyer to help amputees anddisabled people in Africa hasreceived a £9,000 boost.

500 miles’ Olivia Giles accepted acheque from Pipeline Industries GuildScottish branch chairman, LesDickson. The money was raised atthe annual PIG Scottish Branch

dinner in Glasgow's Thistle Hotel andwas boosted by donations on theevening.

The charity currently supports threeinitiatives - the 500 Miles Prostheticand Orthotic Centre in Malawi, theZambian Italian Orthopaedic Hospitalin Zambia and FlysSpec, a Zambianflying medical service.

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Funding first for formerfootballer TomA FORMER professional footballer and thefirst Professional Footballers’ Associationfunded student to complete a BHScphysiotherapy degree at a York universityhas graduated with a 2:1 honours degree.Tom Wilkinson is the first York St Johnstudent to receive full funding from the PFAafter the university successfully rolled outthe scheme with them three years ago. York St John is one of only a handful ofuniversities which receives funding from thePFA, and it will fund five ex-professional oracademy players every year through theirstudies in a bid to help them accomplish analternate career as a physiotherapist.Tom said: “I have had the time of my life atYork St John University. As a small close-knit community students get plenty ofsupport for both practical and writtenwork. “Placements are varied to ensure eachstudent gains the essential skills in the keyareas of physiotherapy.“I hope to get back into football at somepoint, but in the meantime I am enjoying

my career as a physiotherapist in hospital.”Tom’s professional football career began atLincoln City n 2006, but was cut shortprematurely due to a persistent knee injury.After receiving physiotherapy himself as aresult of his injury, he looked to pursue acareer within the profession. Tom received guidance on achieving thisfrom Pat Lally, director of education withinthe PFA education team, who set up theagreement with York St John University.Jill Wickham, continuing professionaldevelopment coordinator at York St John,said: “The PFA partnership adds diversity tothe undergraduate population. Althoughfrom a football background the studentsare encouraged to see physiotherapy as awide and varied profession. Tom discoveredhis interest to be with people receivingtreatment in the acute hospital setting andachieved this goal.”Tom now lives back in his hometown ofLincoln and is a physiotherapist at Lincolncounty hospital for the United Lincolnshirehospitals NHS trust. Tom Wilkinson

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‘Bespoke’ kneereplacementstried at hospitalBy Dominic Musgrave

A BRISTOL hospital is pioneering theuse of a new technology whichcreates “tailor-made” kneereplacements.

The Visionaire system, which isproduced by global healthcarecompany Smith and Nephew, istargeted at people who havedeveloped painful knee arthritis,sometimes following knee ligament damage while playing sport earlier in life, or morefrequently as part of thedegenerative process of osteoarthritiswhich affects many people, typicallyin their 60s and 70s.

First the patient has an X-ray and a scan of their knee.

A model of the knee is then createdby computer modelling, followed by two “bespoke” nylon cuttingblocks. The blocks – one made tomatch the patient’s femur and theother, the tibia – are then sterilisedand sent to the orthopaedic surgeonready for the procedure.

James Murray, a consultant at SpireBristol Hospital and a partner inKneeSpecialists.co.uk, is one of only a handful of surgeons to beusing the Visionaire technique in theUK.

He said: “What makes this technique

different is that it combines the triedand tested knee replacement withthe ability to produce a very accuratepositioning of the implant.

“Whereas knee replacements havetraditionally been ‘off the peg’,Visionaire means we can create abespoke knee, tailored for eachperson.

“This technology has massivepotential cost savings in terms ofoperative time and also improves theaccuracy of the surgery.

One of his patients is June Hockey,who has suffered with arthritis forseveral years but opted to havesurgery earlier this year, when thepain became too much.

The 88-year-old said: “My left kneewould sometimes become veryunstable and would click in and outof place from time to time. HoweverI have had always been able to livewith it and didn’t do anything aboutthe problem until this year, when itstarted getting too painful.”

“The operation is not something yougo into easily at my age, but it wasmuch better than I expected. I wasawake throughout the whole thingand was up and about the nextmorning. Now I am back to normaland can walk perfectly well again, with the aid of a stick for my otherknee.”

FORMER Big Brother housemate andbi-lateral amputee Steve Gill visitedOssur UK’s headquarters to supportthe company’s fundraising efforts forChildren In Need and participate intraining on some of the prostheticequipment he uses.

He now works under his guise as‘The Baron’ to help raise funds andawareness for some of the causesclosest to his heart, such as Dogs forthe Disabled and BLESMA, a charitysupporting ex-service men who havesuffered limb loss.

‘The Baron’ visits Ossur HQA Gloucestershire theatre’s box office manager is lending a leg as well as ahand to the pantomime this winter.Gail Jones, who has had a prosthetic leg since childhood, is donating herspare for the performances of Cinderella.She said: “The director was looking for a mannequin leg as a prop and,when I heard he was having problems trying to get hold of one, I offeredhim my spare.”

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Waverley Gardens residents attend the foot care clinic with Lorraine Millard, basic foot care servicemanager at Age UK Bristol

AVERY sheltered housingscheme has played host to thelaunch of a new foot careclinic, provided by Age UKBristol.

Brunelcare’s Waverley Gardensnow offers the service, whichprovides the over 55s withaccess to affordable foot care,to its tenants and the localcommunity.

The scheme sees the user justneeding to pay an initialpayment of £5 for a personalfoot care kit, with eachsubsequent treatment costing£10, which is less than halfthe price of equivalent private

alternatives. The team oftrained volunteers, who werebought together by Age UKBristol with the city counciland NHS podiatry devices,provide basic foot care such astoenail cutting, filing andskincare treatments.

Lorraine Millard, basic footcare service manager at AgeUK Bristol, said: “We hopethis vital service will improvethe quality of life for manyolder people in Bristol.

“If the toenail cutting serviceis a success we hope to set up other clinics across thecity.”

Housing scheme hostslaunch of foot care clinic

Houseboundstroke victimssought fornew studyPEOPLE who have becomehousebound after having a stroke arebeing invited to take part in a newstudy that could help to put themback on the road to independence.

Researchers at Nottingham Universityare leading a national researchproject that will look at whether anew way of offering rehabilitationtherapy could assist stroke patientswho are keen to leave the housemore but have lost the confidence tostep out on their own.

Funded with £10 million from theNational Institute for Health Research(NIHR), the study will involveproviding some volunteer patientswith a targeted rehabilitationapproach and goal-based outdoormobility programme in an attempt toimprove their physical capabilities andboost their belief in their ownabilities.

Their achievements will then becompared to other volunteer patientswho have not received theintervention to discover how theyfared in comparison.

Dr Pip Logan in the university’sdivision of rehabilitation and ageing,who is leading the study, said:“Looking at practical barriers whichmay be preventing people fromleaving the house, such as a lack ofadequate handrails on steps and

garden paths, is of course very valid.

“However, it is often thepsychological barriers which are thetoughest to overcome. For someonewho has driven all their life up untiltheir stroke, tackling public transportcan seem extremely daunting.

“We are hoping that by offering amore targeted approach to therapywe can help them to develop theirmobility abilities and copingstrategies that will allow them getabout more and becomeindependent people once again.”

The research follows a pilot studyundertaken by the team in 2004which found that, despiterehabilitation, 42 per cent of peoplewith a stroke wanted to get out oftheir house more.

The randomised controlled trialoffered a travel promotionprogramme by an occupationaltherapist to half of the volunteers onthe study.

It provided them with bespokeinformation, prescribing remedialexercises and equipment as neededand supporting them in their returnto driving or using public transport.At the end of the four-month trial,this group were twice as likely to getout and about as those who had notreceived this service.

ALGEOS has introduced the newPodotech Elftman foot pressureplatform to its range.

The Podotech Elftman utilises stateof the art pressure mat technologyand electronic sensors to provideextensive analysis options and thestatic, dynamic and postural modesenable patients to be scanned whilestanding, walking or running.

Superior visual analysis is providedvia 2D or 3D scans, graphs andreports that enable immediateinterpretation of data and encourage

patient interaction.

Business development executive andbiomechanics specialist Heidi Mecklersaid: “The Podotech Elftman is verycost-effective compared tocompetitor systems.

“It’s a highly versatile platform thatoffers the clinician with an array ofanalysis options, and the visualimpact of the scans is great forpatient education. Reports are quickand easy to generate, and can besaved to patient files or emailed tocolleagues.”

Foot pressure platformadded to Algeos range

A BIRMINGHAM hospital’sphysiotherapy team has purchasedparallel bars to help woundedmilitary personnel to regain theirstrength, balance, range of motionand independence.The bars at Queen Elizabeth Hospitalwill be used by rehabilitationtherapists for co-ordination exercises,helping patients with balance, aswell as for ambulation exercises, toimprove a patient’s ability to walk.

Money for the equipment was raisedthrough donations by visitors to theannual Old Hill Festival.Mike Hammond, chief executive ofthe QEHB charity, said: “Rehabilit-ation and aftercare are crucialelements of the work of the RoyalCentre for Defence Medicine, whichis based here in Birmingham. Thepurchase of the parallel bars willmake a huge difference to helpingour troops on the road to recovery.”

Parallel bars to help injured servicemen

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PATIENTS requiring lower limb surgery including anklereplacements are benefitting fromthe appointment of a neworthopaedic surgeon in North EastLincolnshire.

Sairam Alavala has joined the teamat Grimsby’s Diana, Princess of WalesHospital and will be carrying outgeneral orthopaedics and traumawork, as well as more specialisedlower limb and foot and anklesurgery

He is one of a handful of consultantsin the region who is able to carry outthe intricate replacement of ankles,with the nearest other hospitalsoffering this service in Leeds andHull.

Sairam added: “I have extensiveexperience of lower limb surgeryhaving worked with severalarthroplasty consultants and a wellrenowned senior foot and anklesurgeon in Northampton.

“I am also looking to develop acomplex foot and ankle traumaservice for such things as heel bonefractures and serious foot injuries as

currently we do not provide this.

“This will benefit our patientsenormously as at the momentpatients presenting with these typesof injuries have to be transferred toother hospitals for treatment.”

Originally from South India, he came to the UK in 1996 after having graduated from one of the best health universities inIndia.

Sairam spent the first couple of yearscompleting basic surgical rotationand then went on to further hiscareer in trauma and orthopaedics,working in various hospitals acrossthe country.

He said he was also keen to further develop the anklereplacement service for thosepatients who are suitable for thistype of surgery.

“Ankle replacements are not ascommon as hip or kneereplacements, but it is gainingpopularity as this gives patients analternative to fusing the joint,”Sairam added.

“There are few hospitals currently inthe UK providing this type of serviceroutinely. I am keen to ensure ourlocal patients have access to thistype of specialist treatment.”

Sairam Alavala

New orthopaedic surgeonjoins hospital team

OT benefitsexplainedto patients PEOPLE with an illness or disability inMidlothian were invited to find outmore about the benefits ofoccupational therapy.

As part of Occupational TherapyWeek, NHS Lothian staff highlightedthe work they provide to help peoplelive their everyday lives moreindependently.

Sheena Wight, occupational therapymanager at East and MidlothianCommunity Health Partnerships, saidthe service is often misunderstood ormisrepresented.

She added: “We would recommendanyone with an illness or disability tofind out more about occupationaltherapy.

“We work by assessing people’s daily activities and then providingpractical advice, equipment,techniques and training to help them cope with difficulties and leadtheir lives as independently aspossible.

“We often deal with people whohave had a stroke, those who havelong term conditions like arthritis orpeople who experience falls, butanyone can use our service.”

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Physio Paul landssupermarket contractto help staff stay fitBy Dominic Musgrave

THE former physio of Darlington andMiddlesbrough football clubs whospent the summer in the US working for a Manchester Unitedstar has secured a major contract tohelp staff at a supermarket chainstay fit.

Paul Gough Physio Rooms, whichhas centres in Darlington, Durham,Guisborough and Hartlepool, hasbeen asked to provide a preventionand injury recovery service toapproximately 300 workers at the Teesport depot of Asdasupermarket.

The contract caps a successful yearfor Hartlepool born physio Paul, whowas asked by Manchester Unitedand former England midfielder PaulScholes to be senior medical expertat his soccer academy in Florida.

Paul, who worked for football teams

for five years, told AssistiveTechnologies he was was honouredto work alongside the footballer but,from a business perspective, thecontract with Asda has greatersignificance.

He said: “Working with Paul Scholesin America was a dream come true.At times I was pinching myself, butthis agreement with Asda is so muchmore rewarding, as it involvesrecognition for the hard work andfriendliness my staff have shown toour patients.

“For a huge business such as Asdato choose and trust our practice tocare for its staff is an honour, and is just reward for our hard workand dedication over the years, fromthe office staff to thephysiotherapists.

“I am extremely proud of our team.”

As part of the agreement Paul

offered Asda workers injuryprevention sessions during the firm’srecent healthy business week.

He said he hopes the deal will helphim secure contracts with othermajor supermarket chains andretailers.

The practice employs eightphysiotherapists and four secretaries,who deal with more than 400patients a week.

In the past it has worked withorganisations including US insurerAIG, AXA PPP healthcare, and NorthEast businesses such as HousingHartlepool, Tomlinson Hall, of Billingham, and WinnSolicitors.

In the New Year he will open acentre in Langley Moor, near Durham, specialising inrehabilitation for people withphysical disabilities.

Prostheticsolutionwins awardTOUCH Bionics’ ProDigits solutionhas won a best of what’s new award from science and technology magazine PopularScience.

ProDigits is the world’s first poweredprosthetic solution for people with missing fingers, and TouchBionics extended the technologyinnovation behind itsgroundbreaking i-LIMB Hand tocreate a solution that brings life-changing technology to partial-handpatients.

Each year the editors of PopularScience review thousands ofproducts in search of the top 100 tech innovations of the year; breakthrough products and technologies that represent a significant leap in their categories.

CEO Stuart Mead said: “ProDigits isa truly life-changing technology, and2010 has been a very successful firstyear for this system, with well over100 people now fitted by TouchBionics at our network of Touch LifeCenter clinics in the US and centre ofexcellence in the UK.”

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Everyday tasksmade easier bynew technologyBy Dominic Musgrave

A NEW piece of technology is beingdeveloped by Scottish researchers tohelp people with difficulties to carryout everyday tasks.

Guide will help those with a braininjury, dementia or mental healthcondition who are unable to doeveryday tasks such as doing theirlaundry or setting a morning routine,not because of any physical disability,but because their cognitiveimpairments leave them unable toplan tasks and initiate the actionsnecessary to achieve their goals.

Dr Alex Gillespie and Cath Best ofthe University of Stirling’sdepartment of psychology and DrBrian O’Neil from the Brain InjuryRehabilitation Trust, have receivedfunding from the Chief ScientistOffice Scotland to develop atechnology which simulates theverbal prompting that caregiversprovide.

Cath said being told every step ofhow to get up in the morning ormake a snack is frustrating for allconcerned.

She added: “Receiving personal careis often demeaning and providing itis always costly. So can technologyprovide a supportive, more dignifiedand cost efficient way to deliverthese services?

“Think of Guide as a SatNav foreveryday activities. Instead of tellingyou to turn left or right, thistechnology talks you through routineactivities – for example, remindingyou how to get dressed, to ensure

that you are wearing appropriateclothes.

“The routine activities of daily livingmay seem simple but they actuallyinvolve complex sequences ofthought and action.

“For example, before making a cupof tea the person has to make surethat all the equipment is to hand,that the kettle contains sufficientwater and that it is plugged in andswitched on. Unless these steps aretaken in the right order, it’simpossible to make the tea.”

Guide simulates the verbal promptsprovided by carers. For example, itasks: “Is there water in the kettle?”and then: “Is the red light on thekettle?” and so on.

For each question, users can respondverbally, saying “yes” or “no”.Speech recognition softwareunderstands what is said, and uses itto advance the dialogue, sometimeshelping to problem solve. Guide issophisticated enough to let peoplecarry out sequences in a differentorder – enabling them to takeseveral possible routes to their goal.

Cath added: “The new project’s aimis to develop the system to the pointwhere it helps people to completetheir morning routines, includingdressing, before going on to do theirown laundry.

“The latter part of the study willentail talking people with brain injurythrough how to use a washingmachine, a common difficulty amongthose with cognitive disabilities.”

A PHYSIOTHERAPY assistant hasbeen awarded an excellence inpatient care award by the NHShospital that employs her.Susan Hughes, pictured above,works alongside theGloucestershire Royal hospitalphysiotherapy team on surgicalwards, and has particularresponsibility for amputeepatients.She runs a twice weekly exercisegroup for both inpatients andoutpatients where she supervisespatients’ rehabilitation to eitherwheelchair independence orwalking with a prosthetic limb.Physiotherapist Gill Donovanpraised her development of a spiritof camaraderie amongst patientgroups, and with helping people tocope with life changing surgery.She added: “I have seen herpassion and dedication to thisgroup of patients develop.“The excellence in patient careaward singles out individuals orteams who have gone the ‘extra

mile’ to improve the experience ofpatients within their care. Susantakes a holistic approach to herpatients. She involves theirfamilies in the rehabilitationprocess, and has also set up anamputee ‘buddy’ service forindividuals who are facingamputation.”Susan was one of the firstassistants to join the clinicalnetwork British Association ofChartered Physiotherapists inAmputee Rehabilitation.

Excellenceaward forSusan

New features lined up for Naidex National 2011A HOST of new features are beingintroduced at next year’s renamedNaidex National exhibition.

Rebranded from Naidex Birmingham,the event at the NEC from April 5-7is expected to be the largest ever,and will include The Wellbeing Walk,which is designed to revitalise, whiledoubling as a hub of informationand showcase products benefitingeveryday life.

Free massages, alternative therapyand nutritional advice will beavailable, with a team of experts onhand to answer questions.

The Innovation Zone will showcasethe latest new products and offer theopportunity to meet new suppliers,

while the Home Exercise and RehabZone will give practicaldemonstrations, help and advice inhome rehabilitation.

And the Inspiration Theatre,previously known as the LifestyleTheatre, will provide an interactiveforum with inspirational case studies,Canine Partner assistance dogs inaction and also offer the chance tolearn about body positioning and thebenefits of yoga.

Event director Liz Virgo said: “We arevery excited about the new featuresat Naidex National. We are alwayslistening to feedback and havetailored the event to offer what ourvisitors want to see.”

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‘One in ten have abandonedtheir shoes altogether orborrowed someone else’s’THE average woman can stand theirnew pair of shoes for just 34minutes before grimacing with painon a night out, it has been revealed.

Researchers have found that oncethey have stepped out of the taxiand into a pub or club, they survivejust over half an hour before theirfeet start to hurt.

Four in ten said they take a sparepair of pumps ‘out of habit’ tochange into because they know theirshoes will rub.

And more than half have ended upwalking home bare-foot, while onein ten have abandoned their shoesaltogether or borrowed someoneelse’s.

Erika Gibbins, podiatrist for shoeinsert company Insolia, who carriedout the survey of 4,000 women,

said: '”So many women will be ableto relate to these findings, as they'vebeen victims of painful shoes, butpersevere with them in the name offashion.

“It's ridiculous that so many nightsout are spoilt so quickly by painfulshoes, and it doesn't have to be thisway.

“The fact the nation's women areresorting to taking a second pair ofshoes, and walking home barefootmeans they need to do something sothey can get to enjoy nights out andnot worry about their feet.”

The study was carried out to markthe launch of Insolia inserts, whichclaim to help relieve the pain of highheels so women can wear them forup to three times longer.

It found the average woman has

suffered from foot pain on at leastsix occasions in the last 12 months.

Erik added: “In standard three inchheels the centre of pressure is 75 percent on the front of the foot whichis why you get that burningsensation on the ball of your foot.This can also lead to bad bodyalignment and leg and lower backpain. When you stand for aprolonged period of time the load ismagnified to the point where thefoot just hurts all the time.

“My advice would be to always testnew shoes at home and if they feellike they might start to hurt, takeprecautions like fitting an insert tohelp realign weight.”

The nationwide poll of women aged18 to 65 also quizzed them on theirobsession with shoes.

Rugby players touch down at launch

PODIATRISTS at the University ofSalford say they have had an‘unprecedented’ response to theirLateral Wedge Technology™ insoleafter it was featured in a recent issueof Assistive Technologies.

The team say they had more than 80enquires from people with medialknee arthritis within 48 hours and,within two weeks, orthopaedicsurgeons started to refer into theUniversity clinical service becausethey did not want to wait for theinsole to become available in theirown NHS clinics.

Dr Richard Jones from the School of

Health, Sport and RehabilitationScience said there is an unmet needfor an immediate and low costtreatment for medial compartmentarthritis of the knee.

He added: “We were really pleasedwith the response. People feel theycan get benefit above that offered byconventional treatments and becausethe insole is available immediatelyand at low costs it is very effectivefrom a quality of service point ofview”.

“The insole offers a good chance ofpain relief and is clearly moreconvenient to patients than repeated

physiotherapy appointments orcontinual use of pain relief.

“This seems particularly timely givenspending cuts impacting on waitinglists. Patients and surgeons alikehave also remarked on the durabilityof the insole material, which comeswith a lifetime guarantee.”

Richard, who recently travelled toMalmo and Dublin to lecturepodiatrists, physiotherapists andorthopaedic surgeons about hisresearch and the insole, is continuingthe research through a majorresearch programme sponsored byArthritis Research UK.

WORCESTER Warriors rugby players used to recoveringfrom injuries helped launch anew physiotherapy andpodiatry service in the city.

Members of the public were treated to a free physiother-apy session, a taster sportsmassage and biochemicalanalysis at Nuffield HealthFitness and Wellbeing Centre.

A question and answersession on knee injuries was

also held, while players AdamBalding, Dale Rasmussen andAleki Lutui spoke about therecoveries they have to make.

The new service is being runby consultant physiotherapistMatthew Goodman, who has worked in the NHS,private sector and in elitesports – he has providedphysiotheraphy for LondonWasps’ rugby team and a number of Great Britaintriathletes.

sponsors podiatry

‘Unprecedented’ response to insole

‘Postcode lottery’ uncoveredA ‘POSTCODE lottery’ exists in the treatment ofdiabetes in the NHS, which is dependent onwhether a specialist team of those in podiatryjobs is present, a study has found.Eighty per cent of diabetic amputations arepotentially preventable with better treatment,according to the study, which says thatamputations often reflect the quality of care thepatient has experienced. These figures wererevealed after regional maps were created byNHS Right Care, looking at spending, keyconditions, treatment and outcomes.Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK,said: “With access to high quality care, patienteducation and effective diabetes management,there is no reason why people with diabetesshould not live long and healthy lives. Thedevastating impact on some of the 2.3 millionpeople in England with diabetes must not bedependent on geography.”

www.algeos.com

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A Teesside University lecturer helped boost England’s medal hopes in the Commonwealth Games in India. Julie Sparrow, senior lecturerin physiotherapy, was a physiotherapist with the gymnastics team at her fourth Games, and is already gearing up for the 2012Olympics. Julie worked as a NHS physiotherapist for 18 years at Middlesbrough’s General Hospital and James Cook Hospital beforejoining Teesside University as a lecturer nine years ago – returning to where she studied physiotherapy in the early 1980s when it wasTeesside Polytechnic.

A STATE-OF-THE-ART physiotherapypractice has sprung into life nearPortsmouth with the creation of 10new jobs.

Coastal Clinics in Gosport hostedtwo open days for 1,000 invitedguests, from GPs to local runningclubs, along with walk-in membersof the public, before being officiallylaunched.

On display was what is thought tobe the only facility of its kind in useby a physiotherapy practice in thecounty – a dedicated ‘Wii-hab’ suitewhere patients can exercise byplaying Wii Fit virtual sports on twolarge plasma screens.

Lisa Brown, founder and owner ofCoastal Clinics, said: “The aim is todevelop the Coastal Clinics nameinto a leading player in its field,helping thousands of people eachyear improve their physical quality oflife rather than endure discomfort.

“Our goal is the promotion ofwellness, increased patientfunctioning and quality of life.

“This is an exciting time for theteam, with the creation of 10 newjobs and the unveiling of the Wii-habsuite, which I understand to be thefirst facility of its kind to be used byour profession in Hampshire.”

A team of multi-disciplinephysiotherapists, podiatrists,surgeons and healthcare workers willbe using an integrated approach ofmedicine to restore health andquality of life using a combination oftraditional and alternative medicine,including non-invasive and invasivecosmetic surgery.

New physiopracticebrings jobs

Plan aims to enhanceA REPRESENTATIVE from theGovernment Olympic Executive hasvisited Aspire to learn about themany activities on offer.Paul Foster was also exploring thepossibility of the two parties workingtogether in support of the Olympicand Paralympic Legacy Plan fordisabled people.The plan aims to enhance the lives ofdisabled people through increasedparticipation in sport and leisure,improving business, transport andemployment opportunities fordisabled people and changingperceptions of disability.Future meetings will examineopportunities to use the Aspireexample to influence other sportsand leisure operators towardsfulfilling the Olympic and ParalympicLegacy Plan.

Double success for Fit for Work teamTHE Fit for Work physio teamat the National Sports Centre,Crystal Palace, won twoprestigious awards forexcellence from the CharteredSociety of Physiotherapy. The service works with arange of public and privateorganisations including GreatOrmond Street Children’sHospital, the London FireBrigade and the City ofLondon Police. Fit for Work director StuartPaterson said: “This means agreat deal to the team, as it isrecognition of their hard workand dedication in providing a

high quality and friendlyphysiotherapy service thatkeeps staff at work, sustainingvital services across London”.“Seventy seven per cent ofthe staff we treat said theirsymptoms were completelyresolved or much improvedafter an average of three orfour sessions with a physio.Twelve per cent only neededone session.” The award was one of fourpresented at the fourthannual awards ceremony atthe Hotel Russell, which wasattended by more than 100physios.

Complementary therapystudents from DeesideCollege are gaining valuableexperience treatingWrexham’s footballers.

The students are performingsports massages on playerswith a view to securingpermanent placements andstrengthening their CVs.

Lecturer Sue Jackamansaid: “Working in a sportingenvironment won’t be forevery student but, for thosewith an interest in the area,this is a fantasticopportunity.”

Student Rachel Robertsworks on Wrexham’s FrankSinclair.

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‘Parents could becondemning kids tolifetime of problems’ By Dominic Musgrave

FOUR million children are wearingthe wrong-size shoes, according tonew research. The study, conducted by GlasgowCaledonian University, found thatparents who squeeze their child'sfeet into the wrong-sized shoescould be condemning them to alifetime of problems. People need to take as much care oftheir children's feet as they do withtheir teeth, say podiatryprofessionals. Dr Gordon Watt, lecturer in podiatryat the university, said neglect, budgetconstraints, convenience and fashionare all to blame.He added: “People think of feet assmelly. They often just forget aboutthem, when they should actually takemuch more of an interest.“Children's feet tend to grow rapidlyin the first four years of their life, butit can take up to 18 years for thefoot's bones, muscles and ligamentsto harden into adult form. Soteenage feet need to be looked afteras well as those of smaller children.” According to the research, one in 10parents say their children havecontinued to wear shoes that are toosmall for them. Half admit to only

Kidz boostA CHARITY’S partnership modelprovides disabled children with betterwheelchairs at lower cost and shorterwaits, according to a new study.Economic firm Frontier EconomicsLimited launched a report showinghow mobility charity Whizz-Kidz haspioneered a model for working inpartnership with the NHS – deliveringbetter wheelchairs, faster, andreducing costs by 60 per cent.It also highlights that if NICE costcriteria were applied to the area ofwheelchair provision, the improvedquality of life for disabled childrenand young people would more thanjustify the cost of meeting the“unmet need”.Matthew Bell from Frontier Econo-mics said: “This report highlightsWhizz-Kidz’ work with NHS wheel-chair services as a perfect case studyof how resources can be betterfocused on the frontline.” In 2007, Whizz-Kidz trialled acollaborative approach with the NHS,partnering with NHS Tower Hamletsto improve the provision of wheel-chairs for disabled children. Themodel went on to win the dignity incare award at the Health and SocialCare Awards in 2008.

A BIOMECHANICALLY CORRECT ANKLEFOOT ORTHOSIS FOR CHILDREN

THE latest in the world-renowned ToeOFF® product family of ankle foot orthoses (AFO)from Gilbert and Mellish is KiddieGAIT™.

It? is the first orthosis to provide the support required from a paediatric AFO while actuallyencouraging correct tri-planar function in the developing foot, instead of totallyimmobilising it.

KiddieGAIT™? is an anterior fittingcarbon composite AFO designed towork in conjunction with customfoot orthoses such as sub-malleolarorthoses (SMOs) to control bothground reaction forces and top-down spasticity driven forces andencourage a more fluid gait patternthan could ever be achieved withtraditional AFOs.

Available in sizes from nine monthsthrough to teens, KiddieGAIT™?promises to be a very useful tool.

Enquiries:Telephone 0121 475 1101,email marketing@gilbert-mellish.co.ukor visit www.gilbert-mellish.co.uk.

‘T’ MAX MAKES TOILETING ANDSHOWERING SIMPLESPECIALISED Orthotic Services has launched its new‘T’ Max toilet seat for children unable to use aconventional toilet.It has a moulded seat with padded foam liner tosupport the child in the correct seating position,moulded sides which hug the torso and a pommelfor between the legs to help maintain correctposture.The seat’s frame can be used easily with aconventional wc, but alternatively it can be suppliedwith a commode.Effective toileting helps a child’s general health andwellbeing so the ‘T’ Max comes in three sizes, iseasily cleaned and simple to construct.It comes on manoeuvreable castors which lock, andis supplied with a headrest adding extra support, afootrest for balance and a tilt facility to ensure thechair is in optimum position for the user.The seat is great for use in the shower too as allfittings are non-corrosive.

Enquiries: Telephone 01283 812860, emailenquiries@specialorthotic.com or visitwww.specialisedorthoticsservices.co.uk

buying new shoes when theirchildren complain their feet arehurting. Podiatry experts say manypeople neglect their children's feetbecause they simply don'tunderstand the problems an ill-fittingpair of shoes can cause. Only 40 per cent of parentsinterviewed as part of the researchtook into account whether the shoeson their offspring's feet were wellfitting and supportive.Gordon added: “The rise of cheapershoes, sold without expert advice

and proper fitting in stores andsupermarkets, has also had animpact. Not only do they cost less,but they are often more convenientto buy than taking a child to aproper shoe shop for a fitting.“Often fashionable shoes offer verylittle support. Take the current trendfor ballet pumps among girls.“They offer no support and are veryflat. If you have an active childrunning around in them it could leadto Achilles tendon problems in thefuture.”

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LITTLESTEPS BY QUADRASTEPSYSTEMAS part of the newQuadrastep Systemrange, Littlesteps,provide an affordablealternative to paediatriccustom orthoses.

Littlesteps, prefabricated footorthoses, arespecifically designed forkids to deliver aprescription basedcorrection, closelymatching the criteria oftraditional customdevices.

Features include:• Neutral RF posting• Medium arch• Standard Depth Heel Cup

Littlesteps are available in five paediatric sizes and priced at only £35 per pair.

Enquiries: Telephone 01246 268456 or email info@quadrastepsystem.com

CHANECO’S X-ROM 2 features telescoping hingebars which are easily adjustable to the requiredlength (from 44cm–69cm), making this popular kneebrace a true “one size fits all “ option.

The ROM hinge allows 0° to 120° flexion and -10°to +30° in extension, in 10° increments, while theone touch drop-lock provides lock out at -10°, 0°,20° and 30°.

This is a knee brace designed to be as easy to use asit is effective, with clip strap buckles for simple on/offfastening and strap locking tabs to eliminate strapslippage.

Patients will find the lightweight brace pleasant towear, and the new silicone-coated breathable padswill keep them cool while preventing migration.

Available in full and cool models, the X-ROM 2 isideal for patients with conditions such as combinedinstabilities or injuries, Condylar or Tibial Plateaufractures and Patella Tendon or Osteochondral repairs.Enquiries: Telephone 01604 709999 or email info@chaneco.co.uk

INTRODUCING THE X-ROM 2

TRACCOLLAR is acomfortable air poweredneck traction collar thatassists in relievingdownwards pressure onspinal discs.

The TracCollar isoperated by two handheld bulbs. Each oneinflates one side of thecollar, thereby allowingthe air chambers of thecollar to be inflated todifferent levels.

It is constructed oflightweight plastic foamand does not requireassembly or batteries.

Available in neck circumferences sizes. Professional price only £79.99 + VAT

Enquiries: Contact Spinal Dynamics International Ltd on 01246 268456 oremail info@spinaldynamicsinternational.com

NEW - TRACCOLLAR

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AS a major orthopaedic footwearmanufacturer Reed Medical understandsthe importance of supporting the feetduring daily activity.We are also aware of the importance ofsocks for support and prevention ofinjury, particularly to the diabetic foot.Reed now offer specially designeddiabetic/healthy socks which provide:• An even fit which is not susceptible

to creasing.• No elastic cuff which can hinder

blood circulation in the calf.• A smooth closure by hand linked toes.• Sizes 35 to 46 available in a range of colours.

Socks manufactured using a combination of materials; cotton, amicor(cotton/acrylic), silver fibre and wool ensure comfortable fit while helpingto limit foot problems.

Enquiries: Telephone 01254 503333,email: info@reedmedical.co.uk or visit www.reedmedical.co.uk

REED MEDICAL ADD DIABETIC/HEALTHY SOCKS TO RANGE

LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTIVE HELMETSScrum Type Helmet Sizes S M LAvailable in black with rear lace adjustmentFirm sponge covered with Lycra/nylonFastens with Velcro chin strap£39.05 + VATSmall: up to 56cmMedium: 56cm-58.5cmLarge: 58.5cm and above

Toppen 77 Sizes 46cm – 59cmAvailable in blue with red liningConstructed from soft sponge covered with Lycra/nylonOpen sections on top of head for increased comfortFastens with under chin strap£72.50+ VATThese helmets are not suitable for highrisk activities, e.g. skateboard/cycling

Enquiries:Telephone 0161 747 8728 or email mggilligan@hotmail.com

OTTO Bock’s stroke product range has beendeveloped in close collaboration with professionalsand therapists to ensure both optimal function andwearing comfort.

The main focus in all stroke rehabilitation is to re-integrate people in to their social and professionalenvironments, and all products in our Stroke Rangeare designed to facilitate active movement.Our rehabilitation products include the Neurexa Line:• Omo Neurexa shoulder brace (pictured)• Genu Neurexa knee brace• Manu Neurexa wrist brace

The WalkOn Range, for users with drop foot andperoneal palsy, includes:• WalkOn• WalkOn Flex• WalkOn Trimable

Otto Bock also offers a choice of Stance PhaseControl Orthoses in both mechanical and electronicforms.

Freewalk – a mechanical orthosis that locks the kneejoint during the stance phase and disengages itself for the swing phase,

E-Mag Active – the first electronically controlled system knee joint with controlled stance phaseand free swing phase that works independently from the ankle joint and foot sole.

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 430 1231

STROKE REHABILITATION

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