Clinical field testing of trans-femoral prosthetic technologies: resin-wood and ICRC-polypropylene

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of 2 different trans-femoral prosthetic systems, a conventional wood-resin design and an ICRC polypropylene design, in a developing country when implemented by teachers and their associates at an ISPO Caegory II recognised training establishment. The study was conducted at the Tanzanian Training Centre for Orthopaedic Technologists (TATCOT). Amputees were selected from a cohort of younger amputees, mostly with traumatic amputations, 27 were provided with the conventional design of prosthesis and 35 with the ICRC design. The outcome was evaluated clinically and technically after a median of 20 months (conventional) and 15 months (ICRC) respectively. For all prostheses provided the craftsmanship was considered acceptable in 71%, and patient satisfaction was assessed as 92%, patient compliance as 98%. Failures requiring a major intervention represented 32%. Both systems provided in this controlled environment were considered to give an acceptable clinical and technical result.