Part one of the series takes a look at one rhino in need of a prosthetic knee and the prosthetist ready to help
Three weeks ago we attended a product launch. A new prosthetic knee was showcased. One of the attending prosthetists complained to my colleagues that there are limited prosthetic components available for patient weighing more than 150 kg. Joggie smiled and said: “Listen boet, you don’t have a problem. My heaviest patient weighs as much as your car”! Of course, Joggie was referring to our rhino patient that tips the scale at 1 500 kg (or 1,5 tonnes).
To make a long story short, a rhino farm and sanctuary was looking for donations to maintain their rhino’s current prosthesis. Due to wear and tear, the prosthesis could not be used anymore. The poor animal was limping around on the stump of his left hind leg. The stump was badly bruised, painful, and full of hard calluses. You will not believe the following, but it was actually evident that this rhino, named “Achillies”, was suffering. He presented very much as a “depressed” animal.
Tanya, our social media guru, alerted us to this Facebook post. There and then our practice decided as one that we will turn this situation around, come hell or high water. Our first port of call was to break the patient’s fall by maintaining the current prosthesis so that Achilles could get back on his feet. This was easy to do. Thereafter, we would proceed with the meticulous process of manufacturing a new prosthesis to the following specifications and objectives:
- The new prosthesis must be at least half the weight of the old one;
- The prosthesis must be easy to don and doff (to fit);
- Affordable to maintain;
- All casting, measuring, and fitting must be done without darting or tranquilising the animal;
- All manufacturing to be done in the Arc Studio lab at the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital.
So, how do you think our patient’s treatment protocol is unfolding? Do you think that we will be successful? Keep reading Rolling Inspiration. A lot of fascinating and interesting rhino info will follow in the coming months!
