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View our privacy policyHow a Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO) helped 11-year-old Ted take strides, use crutches at school and continue his rehabilitation after a spinal tumour left him with a spinal cord injury and paralysis
Ted is now 11 years old and has already been through a lot. When he was three, he had spinal surgery to remove a cancerous tumour, followed by chemotherapy. He was also placed in a plaster spinal jacket and spent around eight months in hospital.
He was left with an ongoing spinal injury due to compression of his spinal cord, which affected his ability to walk. When he was discharged from his NHS hospital, he was provided with a full-set orthosis. This included a plastic posterior spinal section, a fabric front section and conventional-style steel callipers attached to hip and knee joints.
The orthosis was heavy and only allowed Ted to stand. Over the next couple of years, Ted’s mum, Joanne, became increasingly concerned that his rehabilitation was becoming harder rather than easier, so she started looking for help.
“He had been able to stand in his orthotics for seven hours, but by this stage, he could only manage half an hour.”
By chance, the therapist who supported Ted with private hydrotherapy knew about LOC, as we had helped a previous patient. She strongly recommended that Joanne contact us for help.
“When we came to LOC, we really wanted a much lighter-weight standing orthosis, and something that’s easier to put on, take off and more user-friendly.”
Joanne, Ted's mum
Ted was assessed in The London Orthotic Consultancy’s Gait Laboratory on 24 March 2023 by Sam Walmsley, Director and Senior Orthotist. Ted came to the appointment with his parents and his physiotherapists, Laura and Emma.
During the assessment, it was clear that the family had concerns about the alignment, weight and practicality of Ted’s previous orthosis. They wanted something lighter, easier to manage and more functional for Ted.
Sam’s assessment found a number of issues with Ted’s existing orthotic prescription. The full-set orthosis was heavy, and the ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) were not aligned to support a more natural standing position. The orthosis also used standard footwear, which did not give Ted the support needed for his foot position and biomechanics.
The good news was that Ted had good upper body strength, a strong core and good hip flexion, although there was a limit to the amount of hip extension he could manage.
LOC recommended a Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO), fixed ankle AFOs, specialised footwear and a hip flexion contracture device.
An RGO is an orthotic device designed to support standing and walking for people with significant lower limb weakness or paralysis. It helps create a reciprocal gait pattern, meaning that as one leg moves forward, the other moves back.
For Ted, this was an important step forward. His previous orthoses had been fixed, which meant he could stand but could not take a stride. His LOC RGO helps him take steps, giving him a more active and functional way to move.
Since receiving his RGO, Ted has continued to make brilliant progress. He first used a crocodile walker positioned behind him but has since learnt to use crutches with his RGO.
He can now walk with his crutches at school, which is a huge achievement and shows how much confidence, strength and determination he has built. Joanne says Ted likes his RGO because it allows him to take strides, which was not possible with his previous fixed orthoses.
Ted’s determination has also taken him outdoors. He has already completed several mountain challenges, including Snowdon, which he has climbed three times. On his most recent Snowdon challenge, Ted won the race.
Ted and his dad have now completed the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike to raise money for Molly Ollys. The charity grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses and supported Ted during his cancer treatment. Ted’s family has remained closely involved with the charity ever since.
You can read more about Ted’s Three Peaks Challenge in the BBC News coverage.
“Sam has been great with Ted. In contrast to every other health professional we have ever seen, Sam talks directly to Ted, involves him, explains what he is doing and why. We know we are in it for the long haul, but we also know we are in good hands.”
Joanne, Ted's mum
Sam concludes “RGOs are complex but their impact can be transformational. Treating Ted is humbling. His determination and zest for life in combination with the right orthotics and therapy has made his progress a delight to watch. Watching him race his grandmother in his RGO is one of my favourite patient memories.”
If you are a parent, patient or case manager and would like to discuss these complex orthoses, please contact one of our clinical team.
Orthotics can be an essential part of rehabilitation for spinal cord injury survivors, providing stability, mobility support, and improved function.
With careful assessment and customised orthotic solutions, patients can achieve greater independence and quality of life.
“It’s difficult to describe what [being able to stand] means to me and my feelings of well-being. It’s an important step on my long road to recovery.”
Dr Mohammed Belal, spinal cord injury patient
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