Brian Bartlett, inventor and user of the revolutionary prosthetic knee, the Bartlett Tendon, flew in from Seattle, USA, to support three UK amputees at PACE Rehabilitation in Chesham, Bucks, this week.
Thanks to Brian’s dedication and determination, his device now provides the opportunity for a person who has lost a leg above the knee to transform their sporting capabilities in disciplines such as cycling, snow and water skiing.
Under the care of PACE Prosthetist Jamie Gillespie, and Physiotherapist Nicky Edwards, the trio are the first patients in the UK to be fitted with the Tendon.
As Jamie explained “The uniqueness of the Bartlett Tendon provides opportunities that no other prosthetic device can offer, but it is dependent on the users’ input”.
One user is 100m Beijing Paralympic medallist John McFall, who is swapping his running spikes for pedals as he joins the National Para-Cycling squad. John (pictured top left & below right) commented “The design is incredible. I am really excited to be amongst the first in the UK to trying it out and of course hope it enhances my performance.”
John was accompanied by Team GB Para-Cycling Talent Coach, Dr. Chester Hill, as they trial the device. Chester said “It was really impressive to see what John, Brian and the other riders were capable of when using Bartlett Tendon. This has the potential to help some of our Para-cyclists achieve success at the 2012 Paralympics”
Joining John were former Royal Marine Glyn Theobald from Epsom and cross country cyclist Glenn Johnstone from County Durham. All three were itching to learn from the inventor himself, to get the best from the design and to improve their riding capability and technique.
Following a period in clinic, setting the Bartlett Tendon up on their prosthetic sockets, the trio eagerly headed to Aston Hills Bike Park near Wendover to put the device through its paces, under the guidance of Brian and the PACE rehabilitation team.
Everyone stood open mouthed at the speed and control Brian demonstrated on his first run on downhill track. He came back to the top and calmly said “Yeah, that looks ok, I’ll go for it this time”.
Despite being in awe of Brian’s ability, all three users demonstrated excellent control on their initial rides, guided by Brian’s advice.
Physiotherapist Nicky Edwards commented “It’s brilliant to see all three guys getting on so well already. We are proud to offer this option to prosthetic users across Europe.”
During his visit, Brian also met with the rehabilitation team at Headley Court, who will be providing the device to benefit some of the injured servicemen. As Brian modestly explained “It’s been terrific to come to PACE and help these guys. I just want all the users to benefit from the Tendon”.
Through PACE’s partnership with Brian and his design, a leap forward in prosthetics is available to amputees in Europe.
To read more about the Bartlett Tendon visit http://www.pacerehab.com/bartlett-tendon
All images property & copyright of PACE Rehabilitation.
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Brian and the PACE guys are all doing great work. I hope everyone realises just how innovative the Tendon knee is; it allows you to pedal standing up, which is all but impossible on any other knee. And thanks for not calling prosthetists ‘doctors’, as most of the press tends to do 🙂
A great report – thanks for posting it.
I’m a friend of Glenn who is mentioned in this article, and he has been absolutely raving about getting a Bartlett tendon – it’s completely changed his riding.
That is an amazing film, I will never be able to ride that well! And the dog…. great stuff!
Outstanding.
WOW!
oooh would it work for snow sports too?