During my recovery from a knee replacement operation I was fortunate enough to use the orthoglide product produced by MDTI. It was very effective and I wish I had known about it earlier.

Immediately after my operation I was assisted by two NHS physiotherapists at Bishop Auckland Hospital in County Durham. They treated knee and hip replacement patients in a small gym but did not have orthoglide. Instead they used a fabric doughnut-like object for bending the knee on a flat plane. This only worked on a smooth surface and was not suitable for home use.

When I was first discharged the visiting nurse emphasised the importance of knee bends and suggested I use a piece of folded polythene instead. She told me this particular exercise was essential not just for straightening the knee but for demonstrating recovery towards the 90 or 100 degree target.Â

I was therefore very pleased to trial the orthoglide device which, though very simple in conception, enabled me to exercise quickly and effectively on any surface - including my unmade bed and a carpeted floor.

It would be great if this device could be widely used in hospitals and made available for patients to take home with them.

Simplicity is one of the attractions of orthoglide. However, two possible enhancements are suggested. Firstly orthoglide might have an attachment - tape or meter) which measured improvements in knee bending performance.

Secondly, the device might come with an optional strap to fit round the patients foot so it could be used in a standing position eg. with ones back against a wall.

Gordon Ollivere
CEO - RTC North