Category Archives: Jack PCL

Brace Orthopaedic help Premiership rugby star back on the road to recovery.

Brace Orthopaedic have played an integral part in helping another professional Rugby Union player back onto the road to recovery, on this occasion in time for the start of the Premiership season and Gloucester RFC’s first fixture on September 1^st.

Irish prop forward, Patrick McAllister who plays for Gloucester RFC in the Arriva Premiership suffered an injury in week 3 of pre-season earlier this year. During training, McAllister dived on the ball and received a Grade 2 Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) tear.

Patrick McAllister wearing the Jack PCL

McAllister who has represented Ireland at U18/U19/U20 level, started his career playing for Ulster after leaving school in 2010. Part of the losing team in the Heineken cup final in 2012 (Ulster vs Leinster), he then went on to spend a year in France playing for Aurillac, before Joining Gloucester in 2015.

He has been fitted with a Brace Orthopaedic Jack PCL brace to assist his rehabilitation. The Jack PCL knee brace is a unique solution for Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries, offering a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging.

“The Jack PCL brace has been immense in my recovery, it has given my leg the pressure is needs to heal the tear while at the same time allowing me to do rehabilitation as well as all other every day jobs.” said McAllister.

Brace Orthopaedic has over five years’ experience of bringing unique braces and supports to the Orthopaedic and Sports medicine markets. The business has grown quickly and consistently since its launch in 2012 and is now firmly established as one of the leading distributors of truly innovative products in its field.

Brace Orthopaedic visit key German manufacturer

Cathryn Tong, Operations Manager and Gary Barrett, National Sales Manager recently travelled to Brace Orthopaedic’s main manufacturing partner, German company Albrecht GmbH for a two-day training and education meeting.

The purpose of the visit was to review new products and receive training & education ahead of their launch in the UK during the next year.

Albrecht GmbH is a highly innovative manufacturer delivering a pipeline of great new products that Brace Orthopaedic will be bringing to the UK market for the benefit of clinicians and users over the next 12 months.

Gary Barrett, Cathryn Tong, Beate Albrecht, Irene Albrecht and Sabine Albrecht.

Albrecht design and manufacture the unique CDS contracture braces, along with the modular MKS spinal range and dynamic Jack PCL knee brace.

“Albrecht’s R&D department have been busy yet again”, explained Gary. “We were introduced to several new products throughout our visit and look forward to introducing more high quality and innovative products to our customers in the coming months.

“The new generation Jack PCL knee brace looks a very exciting product, as you get the same dynamic functionality but it is now supplied with a much smaller and lower profile hinge, which is more intuitive to use benefitting both the clinician and patient alike.

“There has also been significant product development with our CDS braces”, said Cathryn. “Our customers use these braces for treating joint contractures caused by neurological or orthopaedic conditions. Currently these ‘off-the-shelf’ braces treat a single joint such as the elbow, wrist, knee or ankle. Brace Orthopaedic are now able to offer a solution across two separate joints with combination braces for the elbow/wrist and knee/ankle.”

“New product development never stops at Albrecht and we were given a sneak preview of more exciting products coming through the pipeline that were in the prototype stage”, added Gary. “This is great news for Brace Orthopaedic, as we always strive to bring new technology to our customers and it helps to cement our ethos of only working with partners that deliver products that are unique, innovative and deliver an enhanced patient compliance.”

If you would like to hear more about the combination CDS braces or you would like to arrange a training session on the new generation Jack PCL knee brace, please call the Brace Orthopaedic office on 0191 258 8944 where Cathryn or Iain would be delighted to help. Alternatively please visit our website at www.braceorthopaedic.co.uk

Jack PCL helps up and coming rugby star recover from serious knee injury

Luis Evitt suffered a severe knee injury while playing rugby for the Leicester Tigers. He is just 17-years-old and is a full-time squad player in the Leicester Tigers England Rugby Academy.

Luis was fitted with Brace Orthopaedic’s Jack PCL knee brace following extensive knee reconstructive surgery, performed by Mr Andy Williams of the Fortius Clinic – one of the UK’s leading knee surgeons. Luis also received treatment from the BUPA Cromwell Hospital in London.

Luis in hospital following the injury.

The injury happened during the Tigers’ victory against Yorkshire Carnegie in the National Academy League on 23 January. “It was a horrific injury – Luis suffered a dislocated knee ruptured PCL, ACL and LCL ligaments, and a torn hamstring. It was awful and so painful,” recalled his Mum, Clair Evitt.

“Mr Williams guaranteed he would walk again and recover from his injuries but he couldn’t say for sure that he would be able to play rugby at that level again. The injury happened at the worst possible time as well. Luis was just starting to break through after four years’ hard work and there we were thinking that the injury would bring a premature end to his career.

“But Mr Williams’ put him back together again and Luis is now brace-free and we couldn’t really have hoped for anything better than that. It’s been a hellish few months but we can now see that the future looks good,” added Clair.

After the reconstructive surgery, Luis wore the Jack PCL knee brace 24/7 for 12 weeks. It works by serving a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position to encourage the collagen in the damaged knee ligaments to re-vascularise and prevent any potential for posterior sagging.

Luis wearing the Jack PCL

Clive Mitchell, Managing Director of Brace Orthopaedic commented: “I’m thrilled that the Jack PCL has helped Luis make such a great recovery. It’s very rewarding to learn about how our innovative products have helped people and it’s great to have an opportunity to gain valuable feedback from patients using our braces. I wish Luis all the best with his continued rehabilitation.”

Luis is now to undergo an extensive rehabilitation programme with the Leicester Tigers for the next 6-8 months and its hoped that he will continue to make a strong recovery: “The club has been extremely supportive throughout and their physiotherapy department is second-to-none – we couldn’t ask for more. Luis is really positive and on track to resume his rugby career,” said Clair.

Luis with Mr Andy Williams

“The Jack PCL knee brace is a first-class product – that combined with the specialist care of Mr Andy Williams of the Fortius Clinic and the BUPA Cromwell Hospital, my son made the best recovery that we could have hoped for. A huge thank you.”

Newcastle Falcons’ Mike Delany returns to the pitch after knee injury

Brace Orthopaedic is pleased to see that the Jack PCL knee brace has enabled Mike Delany to make a full recovery and return to first team rugby for the Newcastle Falcons.

After more than three months out injured, Mike Delany played 77 minutes last weekend against the Exeter Chiefs, gaining plenty of yardage with his defensive clearance kicks and successfully scoring two conversions and a penalty.

“Mike Delany has made an impressive come-back and a quick recovery for that kind of PCL injury,” said Clive Mitchell, Managing Director of Brace Orthopaedic. “I saw him at the club recently and he had recovered well enough to no longer be wearing the Jack PCL. It’s great to see him make a successful return to the pitch at that level and put points on the board.”

Mike Delany suffered a tear to his Posterior Cruciate Ligament in December 2015 and following a consultation with leading knee surgeon Mr Andy Williams of the Fortius Clinic, he was fitted with the Jack PCL knee brace for conservative healing of his PCL injury.

Mike wore the Jack PCL knee brace 24/7 for three months while the collagen in his knee ligament re-vascularised. He underwent a programme of extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation managed by Matt Tinsley, Academy Physiotherapist at Newcastle Falcons.

Jack PCL knee brace

Brace Orthopaedic is the UK’s exclusive supplier of the Jack PCL knee brace. It is designed to offer a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging.

Professional footballer avoids knee surgery after Jack PCL rehabilitation

Brace Orthopaedic is thrilled that footballer, Sam Liversidge, has avoided knee surgery and could be back on the pitch before the end of this season, following treatment using our Jack PCL knee brace (article in Worksop Guardian, 17 February 2016).

The Worksop Town FC defender suffered a significant tear to his Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) after an unfortunate tackle during only the second match of the season. It looked like he would be out for the rest of the season and that surgery to repair his knee would be necessary.

Footballer Sam Liversidge fitted with Jack PCL, with Perform Leeds physiotherapist Nicola Francis

The Jack PCL fitting took place soon after the injury in September 2015 on the recommendation of Mr Stephen Guy, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Spire Leeds Hospital. Sam then began an extensive rehabilitation programme directed by the physio team at Perform Leeds.

According to Mr Guy, the Jack PCL knee brace has brought “first-class results, avoiding the need for surgery”. He also stated that: “This case highlights that with timely referral to a specialist, patients can reduce and indeed avoid the need for major surgery by using cutting-edge brace technology.”

“The Jack PCL is a state-of-the-art knee brace that is highly effective for the conservative treatment of PCL injuries,” added Clive Mitchell, Managing Director of Brace Orthopaedic.

“I’m delighted that Sam has had such a great recovery and I think it’s testament to the excellent team at Perform Leeds, who managed his rehabilitation, and the unique Jack PCL.”

The Jack PCL knee brace offers a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging. It is appropriate for both conservative and post-operative treatments for PCL injury, and it is also routinely used for multi-ligament trauma.

Stevie May’s Jack PCL rehabilitation is going well

Preston North End’s Stevie May is in training wearing the Jack PCL knee brace and we are pleased to say that his rehabilitation is progressing well.

Stevie was fitted with a Jack PCL knee brace towards the end of last year following a multi-ligament knee injury he sustained against Fulham.

He is wearing the Jack PCL knee brace 24/7 while the collagen in his knee ligament re-vascularises. The brace is unique and it is designed to offer a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging.

Brace Orthopaedic is the UK’s exclusive supplier of the Jack PCL knee brace. If you are a clinician and would like a demonstration, please call 0191 258 8944.

Preston North End’s Stevie May starts Jack PCL rehabilitation

Stevie May has been fitted with Brace Orthopaedic’s Jack PCL knee brace for an injury he suffered during Preston North End’s 1-1 draw against Fulham late last month.

The Scottish international left the pitch on crutches following a tackle during the final stages of the match. The team sought a medical assessment from Mr Andy Williams of the Fortius Clinic, one of the UK’s leading knee surgeons. Stevie May has a multi-ligament injury which is being managed conservatively whilst the Posterior Cruciate Ligament heals, prior to future surgical intervention.

Stevie May with the club’s Head of Medical Department, Matt Jackson

Stevie May has started his rehabilitation and physiotherapy at Preston North End managed by Matt Jackson, Head of Medical Department. He will wear the Jack PCL knee brace 24/7 while the collagen in his knee ligament re-vascularises.

“The Jack PCL is an innovative solution,” said Matt Jackson. “It allows for the restoration of functional range and strength whilst offering the opportunity for the PCL to heal naturally. It’ll help us to optimise the conditioning of the joint and associated structures prior to the planned future surgical intervention.”

The Jack PCL knee brace is designed to offer a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging.

Stevie May joined Preston North End in September 2015 from Sheffield Wednesday. He is a young and impressive striker scoring 50 goals in 100 performances during his time in first team football in Scotland. May made his international debut against England at Celtic Park last year.

Mr Andy Williams is a Consultant Knee Surgeon at the Fortius Clinic, London. He works with many sports professionals, mainly in football and rugby. He has particular expertise in knee ligament injuries and is a renowned lecturer and prize-winning researcher.

Brace Orthopaedic is the UK’s exclusive supplier of the Jack PCL knee brace. Earlier this year, Ireland international and Ulster Rugby’s Tommy Bowe was fitted with a Jack PCL knee brace after knee surgery for an injury sustained during the Rugby World Cup.

Newcastle Falcons’ Mike Delany fitted with Jack PCL knee brace

Newcastle Falcons and former New Zealand fly-half Mike Delany has been fitted with Brace Orthopaedic’s Jack PCL knee brace, after suffering a ligament injury.

He suffered a tear to his Posterior Cruciate Ligament during the Newcastle Falcons’ 15-15 draw at Sale Sharks. After consulting with one of the UK’s leading knee surgeons, Mr Andy Williams of the Fortius Clinic, it was concluded that he required a Jack PCL knee brace for the conservative healing of his Posterior Cruciate Ligament.

Mike Delany having his Jack PCL fitted under the guidance of Clive Mitchell, Managing Director of Brace Orthopaedic

Mike Delany will wear the Jack PCL knee brace 24/7 for three months while the collagen in his knee ligament re-vascularises. He will undergo a programme of extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation managed by Matt Tinsley, Academy Physiotherapist at Newcastle Falcons.

“I wish Mike all the best with his recovery,” commented Clive Mitchell, Managing Director of Brace Orthopaedic. “The Jack PCL knee brace is a unique solution for Posterior Cruciate Ligament injuries. It’ll help quicken his recovery and get him back to fitness soon.”

The Jack PCL knee brace is designed to offer a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging.

Mike Delany has an impressive rugby career, getting his international call-up to play for the All Blacks in 2009. He joined the Newcastle Falcons this year on a three-year contract.

Top orthopaedic knee surgeon and Jack PCL advocate receives lifetime achievement award

Outstanding orthopaedic knee surgeon, Robert LaPrade MD PhD who has done clinical research on the Jack PCL knee brace, has received a lifetime achievement award.

The University of Maine Alumni Association’s Career Award is the most prestigious award given by the university. The honour is based on a lifetime of professional achievement.

Dr LaPrade graduated from the University of Maine in 1981 and went on to become one of the most influential knee surgeons in the industry. He co-wrote the clinical study ‘Posterior cruciate ligament tears: functional and postoperative rehabilitation’, which provides clear protocols on rehabilitation postoperatively and conservatively with the Jack PCL knee brace.

The Jack PCL knee brace is a unique solution for Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries, offering a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging.

Dr LaPrade’s Jack PCL clinical study: Posterior cruciate ligament tears: functional and postoperative rehabilitation. Casey M Pierce, Luke O’Brien, Laurie Wohlt Griffin and Robert F LaPrade.

Tommy Bowe starts Jack PCL rehabilitation for knee injury

The Ireland international and Ulster Rugby Wing Tommy Bowe has been fitted with a Jack PCL knee brace under the guidance of Brace Orthopaedic, following knee surgery earlier this week.

The 31-year-old suffered a tear to his Posterior Cruciate Ligament and meniscal damage to his right knee during Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina. He underwent successful surgery last Monday (26 October) and was fitted with a Jack PCL knee brace to advance his post-operative rehabilitation.

Tommy will wear the Jack PCL brace 24/7 for the next 3-4 months while the collagen in his knee ligament re-vascularises. He will now commence a programme of extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation managed by Gareth Robinson, Head Physiotherapist at Ulster Rugby.

“It was a pleasure to meet Tommy,” commented Clive Mitchell, Managing Director of Brace Orthopaedic.

“Rehabilitation outcomes with the unique Jack PCL knee brace are excellent and I wish Tommy all the best with his recovery.”

The Jack PCL knee brace is designed to offer a dynamic anteriorly directed force to hold the leg in a neutral position so preventing any potential for posterior sagging.

Tommy Bowe is the second highest Irish try scorer of all time. He has been ruled out for at least 6 months and is set to miss the Six Nations and European Champions Cup.