Hydrostatic pressure casting technology allowing patients to regain mobility faster

Wes is one of the first patients to trial a new RBWH hydrostatic pressure casting technology

A new form of casting technology introduced at RBWH is allowing patients requiring a prosthetic to regain mobility and independence faster.

The state-of-the-art hydrostatic pressure casting technology is used in the fabrication of patients who need a prosthetic. Unlike traditional hand casting techniques which are performed in a seated position, the technology provides standing alternative, removing the possibility of error and allowing the treating team to fabricate the prosthetic quicker and considerably reduce the number of appointments required.

Wes was one of the first patients to trial a new RBWH hydrostatic pressure casting technology after he lost his left leg in late 2022, when his motorbike was hit by a car on the way to a job interview. The new technology has allowed him to walk again.

“Since that day, when I nearly died, every day is a gift,” said Wes. “But without the donations to get new casting equipment for RBWH, I wouldn’t be walking around as well or as far as I am now.”

The new technology was made possible by a RBWH Foundation grant, and unlike traditional hand casting techniques which are performed with the patient in a seated position, it provides a standing alternative removing the possibility of error and allows the team to fabricate the prosthetic quicker and considerably reduce the number of appointments required.

RBWH Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics Jessica Angus said RBWH was the only public hospital in Australia with access to the expensive technology, thanks to an RBWH Foundation grant.

“Traditional hand casting techniques are performed with the patient in a seated position,” said Ms Angus. “The main limitation is that the soft tissue changes shape under load and this is difficult to replicate.”

Wes had almost given up on regaining full mobility and independence because of the pain caused by his previous prosthetic leg, but just weeks after he underwent this new casting, he was walking eight hours a day and recently hiked seven kilometres.

“My new prosthetic arrived and as soon as I put it on, it was like a Eureka moment,” Wes said.

“Ten and a half months after missing that job interview, I made it to a new interview for the same job and got the gig as a skipper on the iconic Noosa Ferry.”