Olympic - PACE Rehabilitation

N E W S A N D V I E W S F R O M O N E O F T H E U K ’ S L E A D I N G M U LT I – D I S C I P L I N A R Y R E H A B T E A M S
UPPER LIMB
ADVANCEMENTS
OLYMPIC
TORCH GLORY
FOR BOBBY
Remarkably, just twenty months after his
elective leg amputation surgery, thirty-two
year old Bobby Griffin proudly carried the
Olympic torch through Bitton, near to his
hometown of Bath, in the build-up to the
forthcoming 2012 Olympic Games.
As Bobby explained, “I was stunned when
I first heard that I’d been selected as an
Olympic torch bearer. Being part of the
Olympic flame’s route around the United
Kingdom is such a privilege”.
Bobby was overwhelmed by the support
and encouragement he received from
the public, as he jogged with the golden
torch whilst proudly displaying his
below-the-knee prosthesis.
After passing the Olympic flame onto the
next torch bearer, Bobby reflected on the
past two years. “It has been a challenging
journey, from some very dark days, when I
was still considering having an amputation,
to now running with the Olympic torch. It has
been an incredible chapter in my life!”
QUEEN’S JUBILEE
PAGEANT
Bobby’s remarkable rehabilitation
has seen him win medals at the
Limbpower Amputee Games, just days
after receiving his first prosthesis. He then
progressed to National, European and
International success at ParaBadminton, as
well as playing in disabled golf competitions.
Recently he has trekked up North Africa’s
highest mountain, Mt Toubkal and completed
a lap of the Isle of Man TT circuit on a Mobility
scooter, all for charity! Somehow, in amongst
all of that, he found time to marry to his
university sweetheart, Lauren.
Bobby summarised, “After my accident
I spent a few years on and off the operating
table, then researching amputation surgery.
It was a huge decision, but I do not regret it
for a second. My biggest problem nowadays
is fitting everything in!” He added, “The
support that I have had from my family,
friends, employers, PACE Rehabilitation and
my solicitor has been incredible. I can’t thank
everyone enough. But my biggest
appreciation has to go to Lauren, for
being by my side throughout”.
S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 | I S S U E 14
GOING
FOR GOLD

HELLO &
WELCOME
PACE founder & prosthetist/orthotist,
Toby Carlsson, welcomes you to edition
14 of Your PACE.
“With the Paralympic Games closely following on
from the Olympics Games in London this year,
this edition deliberately and unashamedly has a
strong sporting focus.
At PACE Rehabilitation, we are pleased and
proud to provide support and equipment to
several inspirational international athletes, not
only in the increasingly higher profile Paralympic
events, but also a wide variety of other adaptive
sports, such as downhill skiing, sitting volleyball
and parabadminton. Whilst this group of
individuals represents a very small proportion
of our caseload, it is an area that we are
delighted to provide our services to, particularly
in this Olympic year.
One of the reasons we get involved with this
work is that we want to bask in the athletes’ glory
and feel that we have made a difference to their
performance. However, it is equally important to
us that we learn about principles of treatment and
equipment that can then be applied to a much
wider audience. After all, not just a prospective
Paralympian gold medallist who wants to ride a
bike, or go for a training run! It works in much the
same way as space technology: Once invented,
it is also very useful in less glamorous settings
by the population at large.
From humble beginnings at Stoke Mandeville
(Buckinghamshire) in 1948, the Paralympic
Games has grown and developed to become
an international sporting event that its big
brother can be proud of. Over recent years,
with advances in technology and incredible
Paralympic athletes extracting the best from their
devices, it has been remarkable to witness the
‘boundaries’ between the Olympics and
Paralympics blurring. I cannot imagine that back
in 1948 the organisers would have ever have
dreamed that a bilateral leg amputee would be
competing against non-adaptive international
athletes, or that wheelchair racers would be the
quickest of all marathon competitors.
It is a privilege for us at PACE to assist some
incredible athletes, as they strive for sporting
glory on a world stage. We sincerely wish them
the best of luck in their respective competitions,
during what may well be the most important
events in their sporting careers.
We hope that all of you will join us in cheering
them on, whilst at the same time we remember
that when the Paralympic dust has settled, it will
remain a privilege to help all our patients achieve
their ambitions, whatever they may be.”
NEW PRODUCTS
The eagerly anticipated UK launch of Otto Bock’s new Michelangelo hand, at the company’s
UK head office in Surrey, was attended by PACE staff.
The device was dextrously demonstrated by an upper limb user, who showed the seven
different grip patterns in various practical situations. The device also features a flexible wrist
that provides a more natural and practical support when carrying out activities.
Over the past few months, a selection of PACE patients have been trialling Otto
Bock’s Genium knee. Seen as the latest generation of microprocessor knee,
the device has additional functions to the German company’s well-established C-Leg.
Patient feedback has been very positive, following home trials with the device.
APIL CONFERENCE
The 2012 APIL (Association of Personal
Injury Lawyers) Conference & AGM was
recently held at the Celtic Manor Resort,
near Cardiff. Attracting several hundred
solicitors from across the United
Kingdom, PACE prosthetist Toby
Carlsson explained, “The Conference
was an excellent opportunity to put
faces to names of the solicitors who
have instructed us in the past and to
learn a bit more about the legal processes
by talking to the delegates”.
In addition to exhibiting at the conference,
PACE was represented at the preceding
charity golf day, in aid of the Spinal Injuries
Association, held on the famous 2010 Ryder
Cup course.
L-R: Richard, Ernest, Jonathan & Scott,
moments before the rain!
PACE’s Dr Ernest Van Ross and Scott
Richardson were joined by solicitors
Jonathan Betts (Irwin Mitchell) and Richard
Crabtree (Fentons) in their 4-ball group. The
group gallantly braved the torrential weather
conditions, but after eleven holes, Dr Van
Ross and Richard headed for the club house
to dry out. Meanwhile, Scott and Jonathan
completed the course, in unremarkable
style, before joining the other players back
at the 19th hole, for a welcomed hot drink.

GOING FOR GOLD
To enable an elite amputee athlete to
be competitive in their chosen discipline,
a specialist device is virtually essential.
However, this bespoke provision is far
from an overnight process.
Paracyclists Jon-Allen Butterworth (above
the elbow amputee) and Colin Lynch (below
the knee amputee), they have been working
with PACE for more than a year on the design,
development and evolution of their bespoke
prosthetic devices, in preparation for the
2012 Games.
To illustrate the specialist provision required,
Colin’s paracycling prosthesis is of hollow
construction and is shaped using a profile
developed from wind tunnel models, to offer
optimum aerodynamics. A regular prosthetic
foot is replaced with a cycling cleat that clips
directly onto the pedal, thereby maximising
efficiency, whilst minimising component weight.
A conventional below-the-knee prosthesis
typically weighs around 2.5kgs, whereas
Colin’s device is less than 500g.
© Kimroy photography
Jon-Allen’s latest prosthesis, for road cycling
activities, is a one-piece construction that
eliminates the need for a mechanical elbow.
Consequently, the device is 70% lighter, an
advantage which may prove significant when
the difference between gold and silver can
be a thousandth of a second.
As prosthetist Howard Woolley explains,
“In addition to our time spent designing and
manufacturing the devices with the athletes,
considerable hours are spent testing them in
the clinic, at the velodrome and on the roads,
to optimise the function”.
This gradual refinement and attention to detail
clearly pays off, as both Colin and Jon-Allen
were crowned World Champions earlier this
year with their new devices.
On the athletics track, PACE has been
supporting two sprinters who are striving to
break into the GB team. Since Sophie Kamlish
and Jonas Zimnicki have been provided with
Cheetah running blades, they have smashed
their personal best times and are tantalisingly
close to team selection.
Jonas Zimnicki launching
off on his sprinting prosthesis
Their prosthetist (and former Paralympic sprinter)
Jamie Gillespie explains, “After initially fitting
Sophie and Jonas with their devices in clinic,
we have accompanied them to their training
sessions to make subtle trackside adjustments
and optimise their function. He continues,
“It’s terrific to see their fantastic progress, but
as they each get faster, their devices can begin
to behave differently. Therefore our on-going
tweaks are part and parcel of their training, a
service which we are happy to provide”.
Over the past two years, another international
athlete who PACE has been delighted to provide
assistance to has been adaptive rower Ryan
Chamberlain. At 6ft 5, Ryan powered himself
into the GB Rowing Mixed Coxed Four team and
has enjoyed considerable international success
since. His specialist prosthesis incorporates
a component that allows the necessary ankle
movement for his rowing action in the boat and
a socket design that provides an unrestricted
range of motion at the knee, essential for an
efficient technique.
Cruelly, a mystery virus has blighted Ryan’s
training in recent months, causing him to lose
his seat in the boat. Ryan said, “I’ve dedicated
the last two years of my life to rowing. Its bitterly
disappointing not to make the team for the 2012
Paralympics”, philosophically adding “I guess
there is always Rio in 2016!”
As Howard summarises, “Providing these
type of devices really is an exciting and
fulfilling arena in which to work. Itchallenges
us as our clinicians and our workshop staff in
the manufacture. Hopefully, together we’re
giving them the tools to assist them in their
incredible sporting endeavours”.
© www.esccreative.com

REAL LIVES - DEREK LACEY
CIVIL DUTIES
Despite being a lower limb amputee, Mayor of Chesham
(Bucks) and local Councillor, Derek Lacey (69) continues to
lead a very active lifestyle serving his local community, thanks
to support from his Primary Care Trust (PCT) and a local
independent prosthetic service provider.
Derek explains, “In 1957 I was diagnosed with type I Diabetes,
which I managed well for nearly fifty years. However, due to
ulceration, I had to undergo a below-the-knee amputation of
my left leg in 2003.” He continues, “Despite the issues an
amputation brings, I was determined to carry on with life as
normally as I could.”
Derek is a well-known character in the local community, serving
as a Councillor for the past twenty-five years and having been
a stall holder on Chesham’s market for many years.
Since being elected Mayor in 2011, his civic duties have made
him even busier. As he explains, “In December I attended more
than fifty functions, including eight carol services”. He quipped,
“It’s fair to say I know all the words to all the carols!”
Talking about his prosthesis, Derek says, “I may not be running
marathons, or climbing mountains, but my commitments mean
Hundreds of thousands of
well-wishers stood on the banks of
the river Thames recently,
withstanding the inclement
weather, to pay tribute to Her
Majesty the Queen, during the
Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.
Near the head of the 1,000
boat flotilla was a group of
representatives from BLESMA
(British Limbless Ex Service Men's
Association) in sea kayaks,
including PACE amputee patients
Ed Appleby and Steve Crowley.
As Ed explains, “A sea kayak is
a narrow and inherently unstable
craft, which makes it very
CONTACT
US
challenging for a single leg
amputee to control with an
unsymmetrical frame. Essentially
the Kayak is steered by hip
movement and powered by the
paddles. Therefore we had to
wedge ourselves into the cockpit
with foam, which caused some
anxiety, for fear of capsizing and
being stuck!”
In preparation for the Pageant, the
group received expert tuition and
guidance from Haven Banks
(Exeter) and Shadwell Basin
Outdoor Activity Centre (London)
to become proficient paddlers and
gain confidence on the water.
that I rely heavily on my prosthesis. My duties often
require me to be out and about all day long, not to
mention many evening functions too”.
Through approval from his local PCT, Derek
receives his prosthetic provision from PACE
Rehabilitation in his home town. “I was one of their
first patients, when PACE opened their Chesham
branch in 2009. Since then, they have certainly
successfully managed to keep me on my feet!”
Recently Derek took delivery of his second prosthetic device.
As his Prosthetist Jamie Gillespie explains, “With such a busy
schedule, Mr Lacey can hardly afford to be without a
comfortable prosthesis.” He continues, “Thanks to excellent
cooperation from his PCT, he is now in a position where we
can make adjustments and alterations to one device, whilst he
continues his activities on the other”.
As Derek summarises, “It’s so reassuring to have such good
prostheses and support. With the clinic conveniently being on
my doorstep, it even allows me to attend appointments in
between my engagements. I couldn’t ask for anything more”.
QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE PAGEANT
Despite the challenging weather
conditions on the day, the group
safely and successfully maintained
the mandatory four knot pace
of the flotilla. Passing under
London Bridge, the group
proudly complete the seven mile
route, in front of a wide world
television audience.
Once back on dry land, Steve
summarised their participation,
“We all found it a challenge, but it
was an honour and a privilege to
be part of the celebrations. Our
sincere thanks to BLESMA for
organising our involvement in
such a historic event”.
PACE Rehabilitation has two clinical facilities (Cheadle, Cheshire and Chesham, Buckinghamshire). Contact or visit us via:-
0845 450 7357 info@pacerehab.com pacerehab.com Pace Rehabilitation @PACERehab
LEIPZIG WORLD
CONGRESS
Representatives from PACE travelled to
Leipzig in Germany recently, to attend the
Orthopadie & Reha-Technik International
Tradeshow & World Congress.
With more than 500 exhibitors, from 45
countries, it is one of the world’s biggest
rehabilitation industry events. Exhibitors
take the opportunity to showcase some
creative concepts, to capture attention.
Pictured is a cosmetic arm, featuring a
fish in water inside it!
As PACE prosthetist Jamie Gillespie
explains, “A lot of manufacturers launch
devices at Leipzig, so our attendance is
important, to keep abreast of latest
products”. Adding, “To provide a patient
with the opportunity to return to as near
pre injury state as possible, we are
always keen to learn of any new
components that can restore function
and ability.”
Jamie concluded, “We saw several
new and exciting products, which are
of interest to us. We will be arranging
trials of some of these during the
coming months”.