From Recovery to Table Tennis: How Advanced Prosthetic Technology Transformed Steven Hayward's Life

Steven Hayward was involved in a serious car accident in 1994 that caused multiple injuries and ultimately resulted in him having his right leg amputated below the knee. Initially, Steven was treated within the NHS, at Wrexham Limb Centre, where he was fitted with his first prosthesis. This prosthetic leg enabled him to return to work five months after his accident and travel abroad with his family.

While Steven received incredible support and care from the NHS, he realised to boost his continuing recovery and improve his mobility, he would have to look for more advanced prosthetic technology, which is why he decided to attend Dorset Orthopaedic’s Burton clinic in 2022 for further treatment. After meeting his prosthetist James Buckett, it was suggested to Steven that he should try a new prosthetic foot, and after a successful trial, he was fitted with the Taleo Side Flex.

Steven’s first goal was to increase his comfort and to regularly walk 5-miles. He also started to play table tennis. Table tennis was a great way for Steven to test the Ottobock Taleo Side Flex foot, noticing that he was able to keep his foot flat on the floor, giving him stability, and at the same time, allowing him to move quickly sideways, backwards and forwards with confidence. All enhancing his mobility, which was his goal when he first visited Dorset Orthopaedic.

Steven continues to play table tennis at his local club in Nantwich and his new prosthetic foot has helped him to increase his movement, comfort and confidence. Steven participates in the Crewe league, training 2-3 times a week, combining practice sessions and league games and he credits this to the support and advice he has received from his coaches and the care from the Burton clinic.