James Moxon - Getting his prosthetic knee down!
Thanks to some ingenious prosthetic solutions at PACE Rehabilitation, above the knee amputee James Moxon from Hedon near Hull is one step closer to realising his ambition - obtaining his motorcycle licence!
In 2002, when aged just aged 18, James was involved in a road traffic accident whilst travelling in a car. Due to subsequent complications in hospital, an above knee amputation of his right leg was necessary. He was told that he would have to drive an automatic car and not to expect to ride a motorcycle again. Whilst he accepted the driving advice, James was determined to return to his childhood passion of two-wheels.
“I didn’t want a trike, they’re not fast enough” he joked “but I didn’t really think I could ride a solo bike, until I met two amputee riders at an Amputee Casualty Simulations event. Seeing that they could ride made me realise that anything is possible. I thought, ‘I can do that!’ so I started investigating how to get my licence”.
In May 2008 James successfully passed his CBT test on a moped, negotiating cones and proving his machine control. The next step was to complete the second part of the test, on public roads. James explained, “My solicitors contacted my RDAC (Regional Driving Assessment Centre), to enquire if there were any special requirements for me to take my test. After an assessment they provided my solicitors with a comprehensive report.”
James continued, “They weren’t happy for me to hold the clutch with my right hand, whilst bending over to fold the stand up and engage first gear. They advised me that I needed a prosthesis that I could safely support the bike with on the amputated side, so that I could operate the controls with my remaining left foot. They also specified that I would require a thumb operated back brake.” A specialised prosthetic solution was required to meet the RDAC’s requirements. “PACE had been providing my prostheses for a few years and advised me that Jamie and Scott at their Chesham clinic were both amputees with motorcycling backgrounds, so I met with them to discuss what could be done.”
Prosthetist Jamie Gillespie was delighted to assist James. He explained “Having read the report and discussed possible solutions with James, we selected an knee unit that will lock in position when he put his prosthetic foot down on the floor. It provides him with the safety and confidence needed to be able to support the bike.” He continued, “James was able to sit in both a prone and upright position on the bike with his existing socket, so we utilised a Ferrier Coupler, a device that enables James to remove the lower section of his prosthesis and substitute it with the motorcycling components. This means that he can continue to wear the same comfortable socket”.
At the first fitting session, the PACE team and James were able to assess how the prosthesis fitted and worked on a bike. “It was fantastic! I had both feet on the ground. I’ve never been able to do that!” beamed an excited James. “Being able to swap the lower section is a great advantage too. The convenience to change from an everyday use leg to this more specialised design for the bike is brilliant. I can’t wait to get on the road and use it!”
James will be applying for his motorcycle test very soon. Thereafter, he is planning a motorcycle touring holiday and some track days at Cadwell Park. We wish him luck!
(Our thanks to MAD of Chesham for the motorcycle loan)
Photos credits - Ride Magazine
