Prosthetics Program
Abstract
The major objective of prosthetics is to restore the functional capacity formerly held by a limb deficient person as closely as possible, while attaining the best cosmetic result afforded to, and deemed necessary by the patient.
On the surface, there appears to be little difference in the design and manufacturing of prosthetic solutions between the approaches of "Western" and "third world" countries. However, considering the availability of materials, economical resources, skilled personnel, cultural, social and geographical differences, it seems that "third world" prosthetics might need a different approach. Direct translation of Western prosthetics technology into developing countrys has, so far, proven insufficient due to many reasons.
This document describes a study into the development of cheap, high quality prosthetics, tools and techniques for production in Fab Labs for developing countrys. The research involves the study of given innovations of prosthetics from developing countrys, the engineering of lowest cost production of high quality molding and casting methods, alignment parts and tooling, and material research for culture-specific designs of prosthetics.
A prosthetic limb consists of three basic components: the socket, which is the interface between the limb and the mechanical support system, the extension (or pylon) which replaces the length of the lost limb and may also incorporate a knee/elbow joint if the amputation is above the knee/elbow, and lastly, an artificial foot/hand.
