Client: J - 50 year old male

Amputee - Osseointergation

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History:

J was referred to us in 2015 following a road traffic collision with a car while on his motorbike. He suffered with life changing injuries to his legs and right arm, and spent several weeks in Addenbrookes.

 

Following several procedures, J’s right leg was deemed irreparable and underwent an above knee amputation. His left leg, although also suffered multiple fractures, was stabilised with an external fixator and responded well to therapy and numerous follow-up procedures and was saved.

 

J’s right elbow suffered significant injury from the impact and his range of movement was severely affected, exacerbating his mobility issues considerably.

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Rehabilitation

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J was very determined to remain in control of his life and had strong views on his therapy, for example, after an initial period with an Occupational Therapist, he was strongly opposed to an OT going forward and wanted to manage this aspect himself. As the wants and needs of the client are foremost in our goal planning and with the case manager being an OT, we were in an excellent position to advise J when necessary.

 

J’s therapy team consisted of:

• Three orthopaedic consultants – one for his legs, one for his Osseointergation surgery and another for his shoulder and elbowPhysiotherapist

• Prosthetist

• Psychologist

• Plastic surgeon

• Rehabilitation assistant.

 

In addition to the therapy team, J had specialist advice on his accommodation, assistive technology and vehicle adaption.

 

J made the decision not to have the traditional suction sleeve for his prosthetic leg but to have a revolutionary new procedure, Osseointergation (OI). This process involves the insertion of a titanium pin in his femur with a bayonet fitting to attach directly his prosthetic leg. This has become a popular choice where the amputees enjoy an active lifestyle or the residual stump is no conducive to wearing a sleeve.

 

As OI was very new procedure at the time, there was only two centres that were able to perform the surgery, one in Holland, the other in Australia. J opted to travel to Holland to undergo the operation and initial rehabilitation post operation plan. To facilitate this, we arranged the funding, accommodation, transportation and liaison with the Dutch team.

 

J had a very successful experience and was up on crutches within 24hrs of his operation and went from strength to strength. Despite several minor trips and overzealous physio incidents, including having to be repatriated from a holiday in Spain after a fall.

 

Throughout J’s rehabilitation, he has had the support of specially trained rehab assistant trained and employed by Maia. She supported J at medical appointments, therapies and activities of daily living..

 

J now accepts the necessity of an OT since relocating and enjoys a full life, back on his motorbike and walking his dog from his special adapted home on the south coast.