Patient journeys
Case Studies
Real journeys from our practice — from the very first fitting to the day life opens back up. Follow each patient’s story, one step at a time.
A locking knee that bends for everyday life
Trans-tibial (below-knee) amputee with a knee arthrodesis (stiff knee). The unique challenge of a straight, non-functional knee was overcome by incorporating a manual locking knee into the below-knee prosthesis. This allowed the patient to bend the leg whilst seated — of particular importance when travelling in a taxi. The cosmetic cover was split to allow functional movement.
A flexible socket built for an active young life
Trans-tibial (below-knee) prosthesis for a young, active amputee who lost his limb in a work-related incident. A flexible inner socket with a framed cage was used for optimal comfort. His limb was finished with a soft cosmetic cover and cosmetic stockings — an affordable cosmetic option, with the stockings replaceable as required.
Zorro: a no-boundaries attitude, 15 000 steps a day
Zorro is a bit of a legend in the practice — a bilateral amputee with a no-boundaries attitude. From running to jumping and a generally very active lifestyle, Zorro covers on average between 10 000 and 15 000 steps per day — more than most people in general, let alone bilateral amputees.
Oom Piet: still working full-time at 75
Oom Piet has been an amputee for four years now. He is an extremely active 75-year-old who still holds a full-time position in sales management — a testament to perseverance and a never-give-up attitude.
Mr Noble: remarkable progress in just six months
Mr Noble was amputated a mere six months before these images. The first picture shows the residuum three weeks after amputation; the second shows the same limb three weeks after the coning period. Mr Noble has severe volume fluctuations of his limb, yet despite this has attained remarkable rehabilitation milestones in a very short period. His prosthesis is suspended with a silicone cushion liner and over-sleeve to create a full vacuum, and is easily donned and doffed. The prosthesis is still in the diagnostic (trial) phase; the next step will be the definitive (final) prosthesis.
Thabang: positivity from day one
Thabang was welcomed into our practice in 2018 following a tragic accident in which he suffered the traumatic loss of his right leg below the knee and his left leg through the knee. Thabang has done well since day one, with a positive attitude and a keen outlook on life — a positivity that we could and should all strive for.
Amputations are not age-dependent
Amputations are not age-dependent. This brave soldier underwent a knee disarticulation (through-knee amputation) at a few months of age. Her initial prosthesis was kept simple, with a basic silicone suspension system, pylon and foot. We are looking forward to fitting her first articulated knee in the next few months — watch this space.
JP: a prosthesis tailored to the finer things in life
A truly unique amputee with very unique requests. JP has overcome many of his challenges in life, including being a new trans-tibial (below-knee) amputee. He still enjoys a few of the finer things in life and requested a prosthetic addition that would make his social life a little easier — we gladly obliged.
A carbon-fibre cover that zips on for any occasion
Another rock-star patient who has endured a lot in life. This dynamic lady has the desire to blend into society when required, yet likes having a prosthesis that can be — and often is — the focus point of conversation. The carbon-fibre cover can be easily zipped on and off, as and when she requires.
