The choice of prosthetic and orthotic technique for less developed countries: analysis and perspectives in Colombia

In their efforts to set up orthopaedic technical services, less developed countries such as Colombia have often relied on so called "turn key" technology transfers depending on the know-how and the infrastructures in industrial countries. The sophisticated industrial product stands thus in sharp contrast to the "single item" product which relies on traditional crafts and local materials. Both extreme forms of technology are currently employed in most less developed countries including Colombia. While the high-technology product is costly and requires a specialized base to produce and to service it, the "single item" product lacks generally the minimum requirements in terms of uniform quality, biomechanical function and cosmetic acceptability. Although the remarkably high standard of industrial products explain their worldwide demand and distribution, it should not be concluded that countries such as Colombia have no other choice than to adopt these technologies. In search of an intermediate alternative, the potential of a yet undervalued, appropriate technology is explored and an accurate account of its advantages is given.