Inexpensive knee-RESPONSES

Inexpensive knee-RESPONSES

Randy McFarland

3/24/2004

ORIGINAL POST: A local orthopedic doc goes to Mexico every few months
(with support of his Rotary Club) and has set up a facility down there
staffed with a local prosthetist. The ultimate goal is to help them
become self sufficient, rather than rely exclusively on supplies sent
from the USA.
   Is anyone aware of a prosthetic knee that is durable and low
maintenance? They have interest in a low tech knee or perhaps
blueprints for such a knee. They have access to a local machine shop
that he feels would be able to manufacture parts to create a constant
friction knee for their patients.
   If you know of a prosthetic knee that has proven successful for such
a use or have other ideas, please let me know.
Randy McFarland, CPO

Thanks to those who sent the following

RESPONSES:
Several years ago I worked as a technician for Rothschild's Orthopedics.
They were working on a single axis locking knee made from pressed
copolymer. They were interested in using it for situations like you
described. Contact John Fox or Vernon Rothschild

 Are you aware of the technology of the International Committee of the
Red Cross?
Its open for copies - not protected on purpose. And has proven easy
(well relatively easy) to make and sturdy in hundreds of thousands of
applications in post-catastrophe and low cost, low maintenance
situations.
   If not so I'll be happy to provide you with printed materials
(copies) and some videos (to be returned).
There's a web address. But it's not extremely informative in prosthetic
details.
Their web page is:
<URL Redacted>
95.PDF?Open
 Please write to:
International Committee of the Red Cross
Theo Verhoeff, Director App.Tech. C-Fab.
19 Avenue de la Paix
CH 120-2 Geneva, SWITZERLAND
 ++41-22734 60 01
  <mailto:<Email Address Redacted>> <Email Address Redacted>
 They may be willing to help - as long as Third World and non-profit is
in the foreground. They do not provide the information to people wanting
to make money on their designs (and I can't do it either for that
purpose).
     I am out of the country until Easter. If you don't get a response
from their end please let me know. From times of my former Third World
projects co-operations I have instructions on how to build some of these
joints. They are simple but may be helpful to create your own
appropriate design.
  Wieland Kaphingst, BME, CPO

I worked with an organization in Columbia that utilized only indigenous
and
low cost materials. The sockets were of molded leather, for AK the
frame
was of flat metal banding contoured to support leather socket, the shank
of
dried local wood, foot of recycled tire rubber, and the knee joints were
simple lap joints of the flat metal strapping. After training locals to
make the limbs and train the patients it was estimated the AK cost about
$25
US (1980). These limbs were very functional, especially for the peasant
farmer/rancher, and easily repairable by the local blacksmith or saddle
maker.
Morris Gallo

I am involved in a group that travels to Querataro Mexico twice a year
to provide prosthetic care for people there.
Each practitioner collects used (but in good condition) components from
patients who either receive new prostheses or pass away leaving their
devices for this purpose.
Joel Kempfer CP FAAOP

have you thought of getting in touch with the ICRC...Red Cross to you
and me as they have plans for Poly pro and welded components which I
have seen used in the developing countries with great success...and
cheap. Was developed as a system which helped people to become
independent of developed countries for their supplies. It is a swing and
has a lock option. Good luck. Laurence Hughes
State Reg Pros/Orth. MBAPO

The 3R18 Bock would be the simplest to make.