Limb loss awareness
[projekktor id=’12280′]
It was the wrap up to a perfect summer. Labour day weekend 2011. While swimming in a lake, Sam Paulos suffered a small cut on his foot. But it triggered a life threatening infection that has changed him forever.
It’s been 2 and a half years since Sam Paulos had his brush with death. A simple cut on his foot laid the ground work for necrotizing fasciitis — the flesh eating disease: “A lot of antibiotics and some surgery which ultimately resulted in the loss of my leg — which was fortunate in some regard. The mortality rate on that infection is very very high.”
Despite the dramatic surgical outcome, Sam never had a sense of despair: “Almost immediately thinking of how I am going to deal with this — and what’s going to happen. Obviously many more questions than answers in my head. Will I ever be able to walk again. How will I resume my normal life. There is hope. You can still live your life.”
It’s the goal of Jennifer Duke and her team to help people rebuild after suffering a loss. Ottobock is a German based prosthetic manufacturer with a headquarters in Burlington. Their devices range from cosmetic to high tech: “There’s custom silicone products that look more realistic. More natural looking. We’ve got mechanical knees all the way to micro processor knees. Hands like the Michaelangelo hand. There’s so many options.”
Sam relies on a microprocessor knee that contains a number of sensors. His own body movement drives the device: “The electronics in it serve to vary the resistance in a hydraulic cylinder so that it moves when I need it to move and keeps me upright when its not supposed to be moving. It’s pretty slick.”
Beyond the technology, prosthetics include an advanced level of artistry. Each piece is handcrafted — designed to precisely match an individuals size and skin tone. Sam said: “Most of the manufacturers and prosthetists do facilitate trials as well. You can try a device for a few weeks to a month maybe to see how you like it and how well it fits with your lifestyle.”
Ottobock doesn’t sell to the general public. But it works with prosthetists and orthotists all across North America. The company’s goal is to heighten awareness about products and options.
