The Bartlett Tendon - "Its Simply Awesome!"
A revolutionary new prosthetic innovation, that provides the opportunity to transform the sporting capabilities of a person who has lost the leg above the knee, is now available in the UK.
Above the knee amputee and professional downhill mountain bike racer Brian Bartlett from Seattle, America, has designed and manufactured a new prosthetic knee, the Bartlett Tendon (pictured left).
The unique system enables the amputated leg to also provide power back to the bike, as well as providing the user the opportunity to stand and sprint out of the saddle when cycling. Previously, this movement has not been possible at this level of amputation.
The Bartlett Tendon is not limited to cycling and can be applied to other activities, such as snow skiing, snow boarding and waterskiing.
The first UK amputee to receive the Bartlett Tendon is mountain bike enthusiast Glenn Johnstone (pictured right) who explained “There is a period of learning and it’s definitely about the person working with the knee, but it's simply awesome!".
He continued "Already, after some practice, the performance is great. Now, when I push down and have the momentum on my prosthetic side, it feels like I’ve got a knee again when pedaling”.
Pace physiotherapist Carolyn Hirons added “As with some of the best prosthetic equipment, this design has been developed with passion by someone who has firsthand experience of a functional limitation.
She continued "Through Brian’s efforts over the past 9 years, from a concept to a commercial product, many people will now benefit from this unique design. This will enable above the knee cyclists to use their muscles better and of course to have more enjoyment from their cycling".
Pace is proud to be leading the introduction of the Bartlett Tendon in the UK.
You can view the ground breaking Bartlett Tendon on the Left Side Inc. website and on the video clip below.