John’s Linx Story

John

John Evans, a Geologist from Perth, Western Australia, was diagnosed with bone cancer in 1974 after suffering extraordinary pain in his lower left leg. Unfortunately for John, this meant having an above knee amputation. As a keen exploration geologist searching for minerals the whole of his career, John continued to explore harsh terrains throughout Australia with one leg, which was quite an adaption for him. Fortunately, John had a positive support base and stayed in this line of work until retirement at age 69.

Now in 2017, John lives happily with his wife, Carolien, in Victoria. Being retired since the end of 2016, John recently decided to do something for himself and formed his own private company and is keeping busy working on a number of projects.

For some time, John found he was unbalanced when he walked and wasn’t content with his prosthesis. After a lot of research on where he might find the most suitable prosthesis for his requirements, he identified Blatchford and was keen to find out more about Linx – the multi award winning integrated limb system.

Being nearly 70, John was unsure whether Linx would be the right leg for him. However, after making contact with Blatchford in early 2017 and discussing his options, John decided to make the trip over to the UK to trial Linx.

In August 2017, John met with Alan Tanner, Clinical Specialist, at Blatchford Clinic in Basingstoke, UK. When John arrived he described his artificial leg as “a World War II leg” as he’d had it for so long and its design was so outdated. Alan commented the “limb design did in fact originate around WWII and it was much to his amazement that this type of limb was still in regular use”. John was fitted with Linx and was immediately amazed by the difference. John commented “Alan has absolutely nailed it. All the electronics and the technology, it’s fabulous, and I’m still learning what it’s doing for me.”

John is overjoyed with his new leg and told us “Having been at the clinic and now having Linx, I’m really happy we made that decision.” He can’t believe the impact Linx has made on his life already, in particular how easy it is for him to walk in a balanced straight line; something which was near impossible for John before trying Linx. For many years John had not joined his wife for walks but now they can walk hand in hand.

Linx

INTRODUCING
Linx

Linx is the world’s only fully integrated limb and winner of multiple awards for design and innovation.

  • Situational Awareness – an Inertial Measurement Unit senses movement and speed to respond accordingly, in real time
  • Enhanced Stability Performance – 5 levels of stance resistance optimises safety at all times: Controlled Stance Support, Standing Support, Dynamic Slope and Stair Descent, Stumble Recovery, Supported Sitting
  • Natural Efficient Motion – MPC pneumatics ensure energy efficient and smooth swing at multiple speeds: Optimal Stance Release, Adaptive Speed Control, Terminal Swing Damping
  • Cycling Mode and Fixed Angle Flexion Lock Mode
  • Knee Flexion to 130°
  • Lithium Ion batteries with up to 3 days life, dependent on usage
  • Battery Life Indicator and Low Power Mode
  • Improved! Stair Descent Recognition 
  • Improved! Stance Flexion
  • New! Heel Rise Damping
  • New! Training Mode
  • New! Recessed, covered and magnetic charging point
  • New! Programming App for Android and iOS
  • New! Button Programming Functionality
  • Sandal Toe Foot Shell