Real Life Stories
Vickson's C-Leg Story.
Market researcher gains a newfound independence with Ottobock's C-Leg.
Vickson — independence in the small things.
Vickson, 34, is a market researcher in South London. At 14 he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, leading to amputation of his right leg at the hip. Growing up in Italy, he relied heavily on crutches for two decades because of the instability of his mechanical knee — falls were a daily risk and the simplest tasks were daunting.
He moved to the UK in 2012 and in February 2024 was introduced to the C-Leg microprocessor knee. He briefly trialled the Kenevo for stability before transitioning to the C-Leg, which suited his more active lifestyle. The change was dramatic.
“The C-Leg has changed everything for me. After 20 years of using two crutches, I now feel secure enough to use just one outdoors, and none at all when I'm at home.” The biggest difference, he says, is in everyday moments — being able to use an umbrella, pick up his keys, show a ticket on the bus. The C-Leg's Stumble Recovery is always active throughout the entire swing phase, ready to support him on demand.
At work, a steep ramp used to be a major hurdle; with the C-Leg's stance flexion resistance, he descends safely without holding the railing. Now Vickson plays wheelchair basketball in division 1, has tried puppy yoga and is focused on overall fitness. “The C-Leg has given me a new lease on life. I feel like a new person.”