High-quality prostheses help double amputees to ski












            ******************************************************************************************

            * High-quality prostheses help double amputees to ski
            ******************************************************************************************
            For probably the first time ever, a double amputee has been able to ski on two skis. Tests

            developed hydraulic prostheses was carried by the CU Sports Centre for Handicapped Student
            www.cuni.cz/uk-1657.html"] in the Italian resort of Passo Tonale in the second half of Dec
            The seminar was the result of long-term cooperation between the Centre and the OTTO BOCK Č

            company, which imports state-of-the-art prostheses produced by its German sister company. 
            the tests were three skiers with single, above-the-knee amputations and one skier with bot
            Tests were overseen by a team of prosthetics experts and ski instructors specialising in h

            skiers.
            The Italian resort Passo Tonale was chosen as the venue of the tests. With its only very s

            allowing skiers to rest whenever they want to, conditions at the resort are highly favoura
            handicapped beginners. Another important factor in the choice of venue was the easy access
            tows and cable-cars from accommodation facilities.

            “The aim of the seminar was to test the newly-developed hydraulic prostheses for skiers wi
            knee amputations and to find whether a double amputee could ski on two skis,” said Dr. Jan
            head of the CU Sports Centre for Handicapped Students. This required the fitting of subjec

            prosthetic aids – one prosthesis for below-the-knee, and one for above-the-knee, amputatio
            also had to be made to the skiing techniques and methodology and coaching was required for
            amputee.

            “A person with one above-the-knee amputation on two skis is unique in the world of skiing.
            person stay on their skies for longer and reduces stress on the healthy leg and the spine.
            amputee to ski on two skis is practically unheard-of, and we are probably the first to try

            Hruša, describing the group’s results.
            Participants in the seminar were able to see for themselves in the field how OTTO BOCK’s n
            thigh prostheses could replace both the knee and astragalar (ankle) joints. The rigidity o

            adjusted – a highly important function when skiing – with the aid of hydraulic pumps. The 
            further modification allowing the subject to sit on a cable-car. Individual segments of th
            adjusted by an experienced specialist on-site according to skiers’ needs.