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KConnolly shared this link on 8/31/2018
Prosthetics in Developing Countries

Throughout the world, the major objective of prosthetics is to restore, as close as possible, the functional capacity formerly held by a limb deficient person, while attaining the best cosmetic result afforded to, and deemed necessary by the patient. On the surface, it would appear that there would be very little difference in the design and manufacture of prosthetic solutions with respect to the approaches taken by Western and third world countries.

However, availability of materials, resources and skilled personnel, together with a variety of cultural differences make third world prosthetics a subject in itself. This paper reviews the literature available on the subject, examines some different approaches to prosthetics in the third world, gives an overview of some materials and designs used for both upper and lower prosthetics, and considers adaptation for cultural differences.

It concludes that, while direct transfer of Western prosthetics technology is useful in the short term, for long term benefit to the poorer amputees in the third world, culture-specific designs and materials are more appropriate.

Hand-drawn diagram for a double AK prostheses.
Prosthetics in Developing Countries
8/31/2018
Authors
Erin Strait

Throughout the world, the major objective of prosthetics is to restore, as close as possible, the functional capacity formerly held by a limb deficient person, while attaining the best cosmetic result afforded to, and deemed necessary by the patient. On the surface, it would appear that there would be very little difference in the design and manufacture of prosthetic solutions with respect to the approaches taken by Western and third world countries.

However, availability of materials, resources and skilled personnel, together with a variety of cultural differences make third world prosthetics a subject in itself. This paper reviews the literature available on the subject, examines some different approaches to prosthetics in the third world, gives an overview of some materials and designs used for both upper and lower prosthetics, and considers adaptation for cultural differences.

It concludes that, while direct transfer of Western prosthetics technology is useful in the short term, for long term benefit to the poorer amputees in the third world, culture-specific designs and materials are more appropriate.

Additional Information
Citations
Berry, Dale. From Land mines to Lawn Mowers Prosthetic Rehabilitation Proceeds One foot at a Time. August 2001. The Washington Diplomat. 19 January 2005. <http://www.washdiplomat.com/01-08/c1_08_01.html>.
Bio Engineering. PNR Society for Relief and Rehabilitation. 12 April 2005. <http://www.pnrsociety.org/bio_back.htm>.
Cheng, Vivian. A Victim Assistance Solution: Adapting Bicycle Technology for the Manufacture of Adjustable Prosthetic Legs for Children. 2004. CATIMAC. 12 April 2005. <www.ispo.ca/files/bicycle-prosthesis.pdf>.
CPI Introduces New Prosthetics Technology on Thai-Burma Border. 21 January 2005. Clear Path International. 12 April 2005. <http://www.cpi.org/news/archives/000153.php>.
Design and Production of Specific Devices. November 1997. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. 14 October 2004. <http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/intl/z15/z15001p1/z1500104.htm>.
Doshi, R., Yeh, C., LeBlanc, M. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. October 1998. Department of Veterans Affairs. 11 Nov 2005. <http://www.vard.org/jour/98/35/4/doshi.pdf>.
Dorr, Linda. A Leg to Stand On. Winter 2002, Issue 20, Vol 6. CNC Machining Magazine. 12 April 2005. <http://www.cncmagazine.com/vol6thru8/v6i20/v6i20f-Vietnam.htm>.
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developing
prosthetics
appropriate technology
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