inMotion Magazine

November | December 2017 16 limb loss prefer to use the wheelchair primarily, combined with other adaptations such as Segways, home and vehicle modifications and other motorized seated wheeled solutions for recreation activities. While these adaptations are wonderful for the individuals who need them, a growing number of bilateral above- knee amputees are driven to find alternative solutions for improved function in their daily lives. For example, if a person chooses to use hand control adaptations in a vehicle, this limits them to one adapted vehicle. There are “portable” hand control options, but that requires carrying these devices wherever they go and installing and removing them when switching vehicles. But with certain advanced computer-controlled knee components, it is now possible to have a customized mode, set up by the prosthetist, to allow driving a vehicle without any adaptations. These bilateral prosthetics users are pushing the perceived limits to regain a higher level of mobility that allows them to go for a walk on the beach, carry their child on their shoulders, play golf, run in marathons, hike mountains and, most importantly, return to work, without using a wheelchair or special adaptations. Meet Hayden Bailey from Sparland, Illinois Hayden was working as an industrial HVAC repair specialist when he was involved in a single-car accident that claimed both legs above the knees. He suffered many internal injuries and was in a coma for several weeks. When he awoke, Hayden felt the uncertainty and anxiety about his situation and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. He decided to focus his energy on finding a solution to his limb loss that would allow him to return to the things he loved to do, including working full-time, hunting, fishing, hiking, marrying his sweetheart and eventually starting a family. Today, Hayden does the same job he was doing before his injury. He regularly goes on service calls in harsh environments, servicing HVAC systems in remote cellular transmission tower electronics buildings, navigating stairs, hills, ramps and ladders, all while carrying tools and equipment. He does not own a wheelchair. But with certain advanced computer‑controlled knee components, it is now possible to have a customized mode, set up by the prosthetist, to allow driving a vehicle without any adaptations.