Kim Ryder

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Specialisms

• Lower limb Amputation Adults and Paediatrics
• Pre and Post Prosthetics
• Rehabilitation
• Orthopaedics

Introduction

I qualified as a physiotherapist from Coventry University in 2000, and I have specialised in the field of amputee rehabilitation since 2003. I am currently employed as the clinical lead physiotherapist for amputee rehabilitation at a district general hospital. I carry a large clinical caseload, and I am responsible for the supervision of specialist physiotherapists and assistant practitioners in our team. My clinical caseload is varied, and includes the management of complex adult and elderly patients with acquired lower limb loss. I also have a small number of children with lower limb amputations on my list. Most of my patients have NHS prostheses, but I also treat patients in my locality who have been referred to private prosthetic providers. This has expanded my knowledge of advanced prosthetic components.

Since 2013, I have led the physiotherapy service within the prosthetic limb-fitting clinics at our two hospitals, which involves managing the physiotherapy service for all outpatient amputees referred to our team. This includes the expert assessment of lower limb amputees, and the planning and delivery of highly specialist rehabilitation programmes for amputee patients at both the pre-prosthetic and the post-prosthetic stages of their rehabilitation, and the reassessment of established amputees as necessary. These patients commonly have diabetes and contralateral limb issues such as digital and partial foot amputations. Many also have peripheral neuropathy or nerve injuries that need to be managed alongside the primary amputation.

In addition to my work in amputee rehabilitation, I have always maintained an interest in orthopaedic physiotherapy. This started when I completed my junior rotations in 2001. Thereafter, I continued to play an active role in the orthopaedic weekend rotas at two different NHS trusts, and I led the therapy team on a general rehabilitation ward from 2011 to 2013, where most of the patients had orthopaedic conditions such as fractures. I continue to encounter patients with orthopaedic conditions (such as fractures, dislocations and soft tissue injuries) on a regular basis because many of our amputees have undergone surgery as a result of major trauma, and many will have other orthopaedic conditions that require physiotherapy treatment.

I accept instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.