Penningtons Manches client at the forefront of spinal injury technology

Posted: 18/05/2018

In 2016 a client of the personal injury team at Penningtons Manches sustained multiple and serious injuries as a result of a road traffic accident, the most significant injury being an L2 burst fracture with an associated incomplete spinal cord injury.

He had a good amount of sensation and function in his right leg, but this was severely limited in his left leg with no sensation or function below the knee. These injuries led to him becoming reliant on a wheelchair and fixed knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) in order to mobilise. While these traditional aids enabled mobilisation to a degree, walking was still a considerable difficulty. As part of his rehabilitation programme, he was referred to a leading orthotics specialist where he was considered to be a prime candidate for the revolutionary C-Brace.

The C-Brace is a computer controlled KAFO for individuals who have lower-limb mobility issues due to partial paralysis, incomplete spinal cord injury, post-polio syndrome, quadriceps weakness, and post-stroke symptoms as an alternative to reliance on a locked knee brace or wheelchair, which in themselves still result in mobility restriction. The C-Brace uses microprocessor technology to help the wearer achieve an improved gait cycle and measures and responds to the wearer’s movements on various terrains, helping to prevent them from stumbling and falling over. Each C-Brace is custom made and unique and can be adapted to accommodate highly active people seeking to rediscover their pre-injury lifestyle. The C-Brace is provided exclusively in the UK through Dorset Orthopaedic; Penningtons Manches’ client’s case was featured in its Spring 2018 newsletter. 

Commenting on the C-Brace, Charlene King, an associate in Penningtons Manches’ personal injury team, said: “The C-Brace is an entirely new approach to walking for those who have suffered trauma or a neurological consideration. Of prime importance in personal injury cases is effective rehabilitation. Through the compensation secured in his claim, our client has been able to purchase the C-Brace and restore lost skills and regain maximum self-sufficiency and independence. This success story brings much needed hope to people who have suffered serious spinal cord trauma.” 

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