Third World AK thermoplastic design- Responses

Third World AK thermoplastic design- Responses

Randy McFarland

11/26/2008

ORIGINAL POST:
I'm seeking information you might have about inexpensive vacuumformed
fabrication of transfemoral AK prostheses to take place in an overseas
lab. that currently uses vacuum-forming of thermoplastics (polypro,
polyethylene, and the like) for their transtibial BK sockets. I'm
looking for suggestions on a socket manufacturing system and low
maintenance knees, shins and feet that could be assembled without
significant additional equipment. My first thought is Endolite. Any
other ideas/suggestions?
Thanks, Randy McFarland, CPO Fullerton, CA
 
(We are wanting an inexpensive system that is durable, not too heavy and
offers alignability after fitting)
 
RESPONSES: separated by a blank line
 
Is it AK or BK you are looking for? And who
should be the recipient? ICRC has a low cost system, but they only sell
to NGO's. Other lower cost components come from China. But - more
information is needed.
 
<URL Redacted>
see also www.icrc.org that uses the stuff since years
 
Also consult with Hector Cassanova and Dr Wu at CIR (Center for
International Rehabilitation) in Chicago. You could also contact ICRC.
Lots of people doing it in creative low cost ways
 
Here is an OANPL email from a few years ago. I will forward another
with a link to the fabrication manuals. We have been using these
techniques quite successfully in Haiti. I would love to tell you more
if you have questions. You are also welcome to join us for first hand
experience, www.healinghandsforhaiti.org
<URL Redacted>
 
Prosthetics and Orthotics Manufacturing Guidelines
These Manufacturing Guidelines are designed to provide the information
necessary for the production of high-quality assistive devices. These
informative manuals are designed to promote and enhance standardization
of ICRC polypropylene technology, to provide support for training in the
use of this technology and to promote good practice in this field.
   This product is intended for specialized audiences interested in
Manufacturing P&O devices using polypropylene technology.
   1. Lower limb Prosthetics
Partial Foot Prosthesis (3000kb)
Trans-Tibial Prosthesis (2200kb)
Trans-Femoral Prosthesis (3500kb)
Alignment Jig for Lower-Limb Prosthetics (2500kb)
   2. Upper limb Prosthetics
Trans-Radial Prosthesis (1600kb)
Trans-Humeral Prosthesis (1500kb)
   3. Lower limb Orthotics
Ankle-Foot Orthosis (1300kb)
Patellar Tendon-Bearing Orthosis (1600kb) Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis
(1600kb)
   Depending on your browser you have to Right- or Left-Click on the
text, then a text box will guide you further to view or download the
manuals.
  <URL Redacted>
http://www.icrc.org/fund-disabled
 
The IRC has a recipe and components for a low-cost transfemoral device
that appears to be the standard for many third-world areas. Here is a
link to their page, which has a really comprehensive PDF on how they
fabricate them. It will show you exactly what steps and materials and
parts are used.
http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/p0868?opendocument

As a little plug for where I work, I can also tell you that Bloorview
Kids Rehab is currently developing a low-cost knee that can be used in
similar areas. It is intended to bring a high level of function at a
fraction of the cost of other knees. We're still a way out from mass
production, but we're getting there.
Good luck with your search, and please post your findings; I am sure
they will benefit everyone.
 
I am working for Handicap International. This is an Non Government
Organization (NGO) making no profit. We can purchase from ICRC their
polypropylene system which should be available in El Salvador. A German
colleague Mr. Heinz Trebbin runs a P/O school in San Salvador. You can
try <Email Address Redacted> He knows everything about the
place by now. Is there since longer then I can remember.
  We here in China have copies of the Otto Bock modular system.
Available
are adapters for thermoplastic sockets with a pyramid to connect to the
system. Poor people are always a problem because you want for no money
give them
the quality they also deserve.
 
have noticed for your requirement, I want to introduce our products
to.if you have intresting, please visit our website at:
www.rehabchina.com.cn
 
Try Mobility India - They presented a AK kit at ISPO last year that is
inexpensive and modular. You also might ask them about how they make
their custom AK's.
http://www.mobility-india.org/