Dominic Atta is Principal Orthotist at Blatchford, a leading provider of advanced prosthetic and orthotic devices, where he specialises in complex lower limb presentations.
His career started in game design, and as a student at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Domnic helped to create therapeutic games to support children with Autism. This experience planted the seed that would see him shift his focus towards helping individuals with disabilities and diverse needs.
After a stint in visual effects, Dominic embarked on a journey in prosthetics and orthotics, starting his Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters in Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics at LaTrobe University in Melbourne, Australia, graduating in 2018.
Following graduation, Dominic secured a role as a Senior Orthotist at Steeper. There, he played a pivotal role in the Best Practice Group, supporting the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines and imparting knowledge on spinal fracture management to acute care teams. He also trained physiotherapists in the use of Orthotics in Neuro Rehabilitation and paediatric settings.
OPN: What drove you to choose a career in medical research and clinical prosthetics and orthotics in particular?
DA: I chose prosthetics and orthotics after trying my hand at a few other careers and jobs, from computer game design to teaching, and even selling potatoes. Prosthetics and orthotics ticked all the boxes for me: it’s meaningful and positive work, it’s hands-on, I get to work with people, and no two days are ever the same. My career is not in medical research – I’m a clinician, and my day-to-day work is focused on seeing and treating patients. Professional research is new to me and it’s an exciting change of pace, however my primary role in our research project is still as a clinician.
OPN: You have recently been involved in a pilot study looking at Tectus, a microprocessor knee-ankle-foot orthosis (MPKAFO) designed to help people with partial lower limb paralysis regain their mobility. Could you tell us more about the findings?
DA: The findings are still coming in, but what we have so far is very promising. Using gait analysis, walking tests and a quality of life assessment (EQ-5D-5L instrument) we’ve seen participants report a 42% improvement in mobility and a 40% improvement in health-related quality of life compared to their previous orthotic devices. Plus, testing also showed a 20% improvement in walking and stepping ability, with users experiencing greater stamina, increased speed, and reduced pain.
The study will continue into early next year, and we’re also tracking mental wellbeing and kinematic data. So far all participants are much happier in their Tectus and able to perform tasks that previously were not possible, such as descending stairs step over step. Switching from a locked knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO) to a microprocessor KAFO (MPKAFO) like Tectus – which can bend under control – can be a huge adjustment for some. One participant, who has lived with Polio and used a locked KAFO for 40 years, went from fear to trepidation to excitement. Witnessing that transformation was fantastic.
OPN: What could your findings mean to help support orthotics wearers and what will be the effect on patient experience and their mobility?
DA: Our hope is that our findings will pave the way for improved funding for microprocessor orthoses, much like the progress made with prosthetic knees. The impact on patient experience and mobility could be substantial, as these devices allow for a much greater degree of movement, improved safety, and increased comfort, ultimately improving quality of life and facilitating meaningful activity for potentially thousands of people with lower-limb paralysis. We’ve seen this first-hand in our pilot, with one participant crediting Tectus for restoring a level of mobility she had not experienced in 25 years – helping her return to full time work and end her reliance on strong painkillers.
OPN: Do you have any more research in the pipeline?
DA: Not personally. Right now, I’m focussed on my clinical work which is split between our private clinic and the NHS. As a company though, Blatchford is always researching and developing- with an exciting technology roadmap planned for 2025/26. Pursuing a PhD is a common thought, but I’m yet to be able to narrow down my desired area o