Kings Limb Reconstruction Trust

Both Tony Bertin and Penny Hays have become trustees of the Kings Limb Reconstruction Trust newly formed charity with the aims of supporting the work of the Kings College Hospital limb reconstruction service as well as helping limb reconstruction patients with their needs that are unmet by current NHS provision.

Limb reconstruction often becomes necessary for patients with complex fractures. The work generally involves the use of external fixators such as Ilizarov which supports the limb during the reconstruction process. The technique was developed originally by a Russian known as Ilizarov who worked in the city in the Urals from the late 1940s until his death in 1990. The process used slow steady tension known as distraction. Initially the work was largely with the war wounded and it was not until 1993 that his techniques were adopted at Kings College Hospital. The service was initially started by Graeme Groom. There are now four consultants in the orthopaedic department specialising in limb reconstruction drawing their patients from throughout the Country.

The majority of patients are working age adults with ununited fractures or post traumatic deformity or disability. Treatment can last between six months and ten years, but generally is in the region of two years.

Tony Bertin was a patient of the unit between 1999 and 2001. He says “I owe my current mobility to the work done by Graeme Groom. At a point when I was facing the possibility of amputation of my leg the unit gave me hope and has now restored me to a position where I am able to enjoy again long distance walking, cycling and swimming”.