RSLSteeper helps athlete amputees to compete again
In November, our prosthetics team in Leeds fitted two patients with state of the art running blades similar to those worn by Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, to enable them to take part in sporting events again.
Adrian Howden and Phil Sheridan, who both had their right legs amputated below the knee after road traffic accidents, were prescribed the carbon fibre blades by the NHS, after proving their fitness to staff at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
The high-technology blades can be prescribed on the NHS for patients who have lost a limb but still have a high level of mobility and fitness.
Adrian, who was a keen sportsman before the accident, has returned to active competition since being fitted with the running blades. He has competed in sporting events across the UK and abroad, and most recently completed a duathlon at the ITU World Championships in Gijon, Spain, where he finished fifth overall.
Phil, a keen martial arts practitioner, began to run again when screws and a plate were removed from his right femur last year and has been developing an interest in extreme sports, particularly trail running and off-road running.
Phil uses a ‘College Park Venture’ prosthetic foot, when performing martial arts and rock-climbing activities however this wasn’t suitable for more rigorous activities. Now, he has been provided with the ‘Ossur flex’ running blade, which he regards as a ‘revelation’. He explains:
“The difference it has made is immeasurable, now I have the flexibility and shock absorption to really widen my horizons and try activities I’d never imagined possible.”
Phil’s next challenge will see him run all 135 kilometres of the Dales Way footpath from Ilkley to Bowness in just three days! The charities that will benefit from his endeavours include Time to Change, Rethink, Survival International and Combat Stress. Phil continues:
“To get this blade through the NHS is fantastic and I feel very privileged to have received this new lease of life.”
Steve Carter, Prosthetic Service Manager at RSLSteeper, which works in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals, at Seacroft, said:
“Many practitioners simply don’t realise that such highly specialised limbs are available on the NHS, but they can make huge improvements to the lives of active amputees. Both Phil and Adrian have taken to their blades really well, and the whole team is delighted to see them competing at a high level once again.
“It’s really inspiring to work with Adrian and Phil. They are living proof that athletic ability isn’t constrained by losing a limb. We are really proud that patients from our centre are able to compete in top international events and it is a privilege to work with them.”
RSLSteeper offer a wide range of different lower limb prostheses, designed to improve people’s lives. In addition to prostheses for everyday use, these include a selection of specialist solutions designed for activities including swimming, running and skiing.
We also provide Prosthetic Best Practice Guidelines (Lower Limb), to assist clinicians to work in a clinically effective manner. This extensive guide contains an informative overview on all major lower limb prosthetic levels, and includes both prescription and casting guidelines.
The guidelines offer a wealth of evidence-based knowledge for prosthetists and health professionals, to help them choose the right solution for their patients. To find out more email our lead Prosthetist, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For further information on prosthetics, or any of our products and services, or to order the Prosthetic Best Practice Guidelines, call 0870 240 4133 or email our .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Our latest components catalogue is available for pdf download from here.
