Life Before the Accident
On 29th November 2019, while travelling home on his motorbike to meet his wife, Andy Pearson (aged 49) was involved in a road traffic accident. He sustained several serious injuries, including an above-knee amputation on his right leg, a traumatic brain injury, a left brachial plexus injury, a paralysed left arm, and multiple orthopaedic injuries.
At the time of his accident, Andy led an incredibly active lifestyle. He worked as a lorry driver, starting his days early for long 12-hour shifts. His week was filled with various activities, including regular dog walks, karate practice, shopping with his wife, teaching children to swim, participating in circuit training, Latin dancing, and running.
This case study, written in July 2024, shares Andy’s amputee rehabilitation journey and his plans for the future.
Amputee Residential Rehabilitation
Immediately following his accident, Andy underwent initial treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Nottingham, before being transferred to Lincoln County Hospital. It was during his stay at Lincoln County Hospital that Andy’s wife and solicitor Ian Whittaker from Irwin Mitchell recommended that he meet with Jason Chidwick, a specialist rehabilitation case manager.
“When I first met Andy, I was assigned to perform an Initial Needs Assessment (INA). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I couldn't meet Andy face-to-face, so much of the assessment was conducted over the phone. This involved both Andy and his wife, Anthea, as Andy was struggling with memory issues and fatigue caused by his brain injury. It was clear that intensive rehabilitation was necessary early on, as Andy was an inpatient in an NHS clinic but wasn't receiving adequate support for his amputation and brain injury. His home was also unsuitable for his needs, it wasn’t wheelchair accessible and could not be adapted due to its layout. We needed to consider private options to provide him with the necessary tools and rehabilitation to progress,” Jason Chidwick explains. “Having worked with previous clients with similar polytrauma injuries, I knew that STEPS Rehabilitation would be an excellent fit for Andy.”
Following his Initial Needs Assessment (INA), Andy's long-term goals included: regaining maximum independence in daily life, reintegrating into social activities, particularly swimming and driving, and maintaining an active lifestyle at home and with loved ones.
Rehabilitation Assessment and Referral to STEPS Rehabilitation
Following Andy’s assessment with STEPS Rehabilitation, he was admitted as a residential client only 1 week later. This quick transition from hospital to STEPS was essential, as it was evident he couldn't return home at that stage. Andy's initial stay at STEPS lasted 20 weeks, and he was first discharged one week before the first anniversary of his accident. Following this, he transitioned for six weeks, alternating between two weeks at home and two weeks at STEPS, before spending two additional weeks at home.
"Andy's rehabilitation received early support from the insurers who recognised the severity of his injuries. Collaboration among the insurers, defendant solicitors, and claimant solicitors played a crucial role in assisting me to get Andy through his journey and into rehabilitation as early as possible." – Jason Chidwick
Integrated Rehabilitation Approach
STEPS Rehabilitation, in collaboration with STEPS Prosthetics, offers a holistic residential prosthetic and orthotic programme designed specifically for clients with complex rehabilitation needs. This integrated approach encompasses specialist facilities, services, and an extensive range of therapies conveniently housed under one roof. Regular interdisciplinary team meetings guarantee cohesive care, with clients like Andy actively involved in shaping their personalised treatment plans, ensuring a client-centred approach at all times.
"The team at STEPS operates collaboratively, integrating in-house prosthetics with neurological care. They hold regular interdisciplinary team meetings, ensuring everyone works towards the same clear goal," - Jason Chidwick.
When Peter Durkin first met Andy, he was using an NHS prosthesis but struggling with stability and safety on the prosthesis Andy was fitted with the Kenevo microprocessor knee (MPK) from Ottobock. This advanced prosthetic knee offers enhanced stability and safety features for daily mobility. Renowned for its lightweight design perfectly suited to Andy's activity levels, the Kenevo MPK significantly enhanced Andy's safety, mobility and comfort.
Andy's programme addressed complex challenges, such as the lack of sensation in his stump, which required meticulous attention to skin care, prosthetic fitting, and wear duration. The interdisciplinary team at STEPS, included nurses addressing skin care needs and physiotherapists guiding proper prosthetic use, ensuring comprehensive care.
Andy’s rehabilitation programme also included a range of supportive therapies such as psychological support, acupuncture, functional electrical stimulation (FES), balance training, hypnotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
With all these services available under one roof, Andy had the opportunity to explore various therapies tailored to his needs. He even initiated a popular weekly circuit training group, highlighting his active participation and engagement in his recovery journey at STEPS Rehabilitation.
Major Milestones
Driven by his active lifestyle, Andy was eager to resume outdoor activities independently and was keen to get himself back up if he fell. "To achieve this, he practiced falling onto a mat and into the hydrotherapy pool. He has since mastered this technique, a bit like a modified burpee!” Hannah Wright, Senior Physiotherapist.
Additionally, Andy enjoyed walks in the snow. "He asked to go walking in the snow, to practice different terrains in challenging weather conditions. It was inspiring to witness his growing confidence," remarked Hannah.
The hydrotherapy pool at STEPS played a crucial role in Andy's rehabilitation journey, notably when he achieved a breakthrough by mastering the breaststroke technique.
The supportive community at STEPS also contributed significantly to Andy's progress. He was used to being close to his family, so initially missed them upon arriving at STEPS. "There's a strong sense of community here," he noted. "It's lovely to see everyone's achievements—it's like a big game of top trumps!”
Andy’s Progression Following Rehabilitation
Andy made remarkable progress during his stay at STEPS Rehabilitation. He now has a functional prosthesis, has returned to driving, and even completed a 5km charity walk in under three hours.
Despite occasional challenges due to his brachial plexus injury and paralysed left arm, Andy lives predominantly independently. "Andy has adapted really well. From where he was to where he is now, he’s made such remarkable progress," said Jason Chidwick.
He swims regularly, drives, can complete activities at home and is able to mobilise so much better than predicted initially.
Since his accident, Andy has learned to cope and overcome obstacles with trusted support. After lessons with Adam Walker, he has resumed swimming and can now swim on his side, relying on others for assistance with hoisting in and out of the pool.
Andy credits everyone involved in his journey for his progress so far: “I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of everyone who has helped me along the way—from the physiotherapists at Queens Medical, to Lincoln Hospital, the team at STEPS Rehabilitation, Peter Durkin, friends, family and my local community. They've all taught and helped me, and I've also learned to do things on my own, like tying shoelaces with one hand!”
Ongoing Rehabilitation
Now comfortably settled and established as a prosthetic user, Andy maintains regular contact with STEPS Prosthetics for any necessary assistance and the servicing required every two years of his Kenevo prosthesis. “Andy is very mechanically minded; his latest socket features an Ottobock KISS lanyard and Boa adjustable. Together, we collaborated to create a socket with improved design,” noted Peter Durkin.
“From day 1, Andy has been so dedicated and worked so hard. Everything he does, he does 110%, he’s an amazing character to work with.” – Peter Durkin
STEPS Rehabilitation and STEPS Prosthetics
“I would certainly recommend STEPS Rehabilitation and STEPS Prosthetics to anybody in a similar situation to Andy’s. The care and rehabilitation provided has been exceptional and just goes to show what can be achieved with intensive rehabilitation, using the right people for people with complex injuries such as Andy.” – Jason Chidwick
“To anyone who has a catastrophic injury, go to STEPS, its all under one roof. And as long as you put the effort in, you’ll get something out of it.” – Andy Pearson