UK Olympic sprinter James Ellington has joined forces with the UK´s Invibio Biomaterial Solutions and CarboFix Orthopedics on his road to recovery and his overall ambition to return to the world stage of athletic competition after a devastating motorcycle accident in Tenerife earlier this year.
The two companies and the athlete share a passion for progress and pushing boundaries; for James Ellington, mentally and physically first in sport and now in recovery, and for CarboFix and Invibio with innovative biomaterials and devices that have the potential to change the treatment of trauma fractures. For patients recovering from traumatic injuries this could serve as an inspiration not to lose track of their goals and passion.
Changes in destiny couldn´t be more pronounced for an athlete like James Ellington, who suddenly turned from being a world-class, elite sprinter training for his next competition to a patient in recovery facing an unknown future. However, even the life-changing experience of a severe head-on collision of his motorbike with a car hasn’t stopped James Ellington from fighting for his goals, despite having his legs and pelvis completely smashed.
“In extreme situations, it’s important not to lose faith and to consider all (therapeutic) options available,” explains Ellington. “I had a severe tibia fracture, and was offered two choices to fix it: a traditional Titanium nail or a Carbofix nail using a relatively new, but promising carbon fibre, composite technology. For me, it’s all about giving myself the best chance of achieving my goal and returning to competitive athletics. I chose the Carbofix nail because it’s lighter weight and for its faster healing potential.” Continues Ellington, “The rod is made from a new composite polymer. It’s strong, in a way that’s similar to metal implants, but not as stiff, which means it has the capability to stress the bone more and provide some micro-motion, so it works more like natural bone. The idea is that this will help support a quicker recovery – which is what convinced me this was the right path for me.” The sprinter nevertheless considers himself lucky: because he survived, is not paralyzed, is walking again and is so far on a good recovery path that may also include running in the future.
With trauma implants made from Invibio’s PEEK-OPTIMA™ Ultra-Reinforced, a composite polymer, CarboFix Orthopedics is hoping to support James and other patients in a similar position. Ron Szekely, the company´s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, says: “The aim itself to get back on track is fantastic, whether that’s the athletic track or returning to other individual recovery goals. This can be an important driver for rehabilitation. In addition to dedication and enthusiasm, patients need to have access to innovative medical devices that can support this. At CarboFix we believe in the potential of changing trauma treatment to improve the quality of life for many patients.”
Coming back (on track): high quality of life is an important aspect for recovery
"James Ellington´s passion for progress is the common denominator and connecting link between himself and Invibio,” explains Medical Business Unit Director, John Devine of Invibio Biomaterial Solutions. “Metals have been used to treat trauma fractures for decades, but patient demands for a quicker recovery with fewer device breakages coupled with the global increase in patient risk factors such as obesity and diabetes mean we need to be open to progress. That includes being open to the possibility that new innovative carbon fibre reinforced devices made from less stiff materials could really change how successful surgery and patient recovery is. The medical (device) industry itself very often and for good reasons, has to make small albeit important steps, to overcome challenges and achieve substantial progress towards the ultimate objective of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. James knows exactly how that feels and his positive attitude and firm belief in capabilities and future performance is another point we have in common.”
Inspiring people to achieve new records
This “passion for progress” after a traumatic injury or challenging operation is a theme supported by the two companies and centering on James Ellington´s hope to become an active athlete again. Together, Ellington, CarboFix and Invibio are pleased that James has already achieved so much in the months since the accident. The progress and hope shown by James Ellington could also help and inspire patients and trauma surgeons alike – whether Ellington is a pioneer by being an Olympic athlete sprinter again, or simply back and participating in the race of life.
About CarboFix
CarboFix Orthopedics, is the world-wide leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing orthopedic implants made of continuous Carbon-Fiber reinforced polymers. The products company currently markets around the world its Piccolo Trauma and Carboclear spine lines. CarboFix is working worldwide through its distributor network and through its subsidiaries in the US, China and Israel. https://www.carbo-fix.com/
Contact: Ron Szekely, VP Sales & Marketing, Tel: +972-9-9511511 | Mobile: +972-54-2346033 Ron@carbo-fix.com
About Invibio Biomaterial Solutions
Invibio, a Victrex plc company, is a global leader in providing high performance biomaterial solutions to medical device manufacturers. The company provides PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymers, advanced technical research and support and manufacturing of components for spine, trauma and orthopedic medical segments for the development of long implantable medical devices. Today, Invibio’s PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymers are used in around nine million implanted devices worldwide.
INVIBIO™, PEEK-OPTIMA™, INVIBIO BIOMATERIAL SOLUTIONS™ are trademarks of Victrex plc or its group companies. All rights reserved.
