It was an absolute honour to attend the 2024 STEPS Amputee Conference and be asked to present alongside my incredible client, Ruby, to share her remarkable recovery and rehabilitation journey following a devastating road traffic accident, which resulted in an amputation and multiple fractures to her remaining leg and pelvis.
Being part of her recovery story has been an immense privilege, and speaking alongside her to showcase her journey felt like a testament to the power of the right rehabilitation support.
Amputee Rehabilitation
The day was filled with invaluable presentations from the STEPS Rehabilitation and STEPS Prosthetics Team. One of the standout topics was the emphasis on the importance of an interdisciplinary team and the benefits of early admission to rehabilitation after hospital discharge. Hearing about how early rehabilitation interventions can lead to optimal outcomes was a reminder of the critical role that case managers play in setting clients on the right path from the very beginning. Equally important was the discussion on “prehab,” a programme available to clients to prepare them both emotionally and physically for the life-changing impact of amputation.
Amputee Technology
The conference also featured a presentation from Colette and Peter of STEPS Prosthetics on how prosthetic technology has evolved over the years, which featured a live demonstration of the newly launched Ottobock Genium X4 prosthetic leg by one of their clients, Lisa. Seeing the device in action was not only fascinating but also a reminder of how far prosthetics have come! Professor Rickard Brånemark’s discussion on osseointegration surgery, an innovative technique that is changing the lives of eligible amputees by integrating the prosthetic directly with the bone was fascinating. Understanding how this groundbreaking surgery is helping clients regain mobility and function was one of the highlights of the day.
Amputee Case Studies
In addition to Ruby’s presentation, it was wonderful to hear from Andy and Mike, two other amputees who shared their recovery journeys. Both discussed how rehabilitation and the use of advanced prosthetics helped them reach their personal goals. Andy’s described the experience of rehabilitation as a “big game of Top Trumps,” which is a lovely perspective on the community that develops among clients in a residential setting.
Rehabilitation Case Management
It was so lovely to see Ruby again and reflect on how far she has come since her accident. Her journey and progress underscores the importance of finding and instructing the right case manager early in the rehabilitation process. A skilled case manager can help identify the best rehabilitation pathway, ensuring clients get the specialised care they need to thrive.
In Ruby’s case, STEPS Rehabilitation proved to be the best environment for her recovery. The facility not only allowed her to focus on her rehabilitation goals but also provided a space where she could live with her six-month-old son, Leon. Being able to “be a mum” while undergoing intensive rehabilitation gave her the balance, she needed to focus on both her own recovery and her role as a mother, as she said “He needed her and she needed him”. This approach has enabled her and Leon to live independently and fully enjoy life—a goal Ruby continues to achieve every day!
The STEPS Amputee Conference was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact rehabilitation can have when approached with expertise, empathy, and the right team of professionals. Thank you to the entire STEPS team for hosting such an insightful day, and to Ruby for sharing her courageous story.
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