Paralyzed Soldier Runs for First Time in 7 Years

Introduction

Lance Corporal Jon Le Galloudec, 33, was left paralyzed from the waist down when a shot from an Iraqi sniper struck him in the spine seven years ago while on a tour of duty in Basra. He has been the first to test out a pioneering leg splint Momentum by Ottobock which works by storing energy in the carbon fiber frame. This energy is then returned as the user steps, acting like a spring to support the movement. The product is now available to all suitable patients at the private clinic in Minworth.

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Ottobock, a world-leading supplier of innovative solutions for people with limited mobility has launched a pioneering bionic leg splint following a successful first trial of the device by a retired soldier. The product, Momentum, is now available privately through the recently opened Minworth clinic to all suitable UK patients.

Lance Corporal Jon Le Galloudec, 33, was left paralyzed from the waist down when a shot from an Iraqi sniper struck him in the spine seven years ago while on a tour of duty in Basra. The bullet ripped through his gut and kidney and following a six hour operation he was flown to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital for further treatment. He then spent months in rehabilitation and was told he would never walk again. However, after hard work in rehab he regained some movement in his legs before eventually learning to stand.

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Jon was fitted with conventional splints in 2010 but the devices did not fit him well and would cut and bruise his legs, meaning he spent a lot of time in his wheelchair. He was then funded by Help for Heroes to be the first to test out Momentum, which works by storing energy in the carbon fiber frame. This energy is then returned as the user steps, acting like a spring to support the movement.

Jon states:

"These new carbon fiber orthotics from Ottobock use dynamic energy to allow me to run again. I was told after my injury that I would never walk again; now with the support of Help for Heroes and these amazing orthotics I'm able to do so much more which is an incredible feeling."

Jon will be competing at the inaugural Invictus Games in London from 10th - 14th September at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Invictus Games is about survival in the face of adversity and the strength of the human spirit. The event will use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

The soldier has two of the devices which are made from strong and lightweight carbon fiber material and slide into his shoes and round his legs below the knee. He is now able to stand up, walk tall, run and keep his balance for the first time in seven years. Help for Heroes will analyze his progress in a bid to convince the Government to fund other paralyzed patients using the same advanced technology.

Kevin Green, Orthotist at Ottobock's private clinic in Minworth said:

"It's incredible to see how far Lance Corporal Jon Le Galloudec has come on with our new orthotics. He is walking stronger, his pain has eased and the smile on his face is wonderful to see. These devices are custom made, they're designed to fit him perfectly and provide him with the support he needs on a daily basis and we look forward to seeing him go from strength to strength."

Ottobock's private clinic and service fabrication facility in Minworth near Birmingham opened its doors last year. The flagship private clinical facility in the Midlands provides services in prosthetics, orthotics and high definition silicone, including a full onsite fabrication department.

Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Ottobock, and published on 2014/09/10 (Edit Update: 2024/05/11), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Ottobock can be contacted at ottobock.com. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.