Hi All,
As a Prosthetist in the UK, I have a 36 year old male patient with a knee
disarticulation, and no sound limb involvement, who is an avid mountain
biker. I am currently working on his biking limb in an effort to help him
with a problem he has come across.
The patient is currently mountain biking with friends wearing a plug fit
laminate socket with lowered trimlines, a NKH5 polycentric knee (supplied
by Medi) and a College Park Venture foot. Cycling while seated is possible,
however he wishes to stand and cycle allowing him to increase his power and
control on obstacles.
When observing him on the static bike in our Physio Gym, the problem is
just before his prosthetic side reaches it’s highest point on the pedal
cycle. The prosthesis locks up and the pt cannot clear the top of the
cycle.
This may be partly down to technique as he cannot power through with his
sound side while weight bearing; however, I wondered if anyone could share
their experience of cyclists with this level of amputation and any advice
on component selection/adaptation/cycling technique?
Thanks,
Dawn Henderson BSc