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A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
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An Immediate Fit, Adjustable, Modular Prosthetic System for Addressing World-Wide Limb Loss Disability
Jessica Kenia1, Bethany Wolf2, Jim Marschalek3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
Summary
A new modular prosthetic system offers immediate, comfortable solutions for lower limb loss patients, especially in underserved regions. This innovative approach improves prosthetic accessibility and daily use for individuals in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Global prosthetic services are insufficient, particularly in low-resource countries.
- Lack of trained prosthetists, high costs, and inaccessibility hinder prosthetic provision.
Observation:
- An adjustable, modular prosthetic system was developed for immediate fitting.
- Six Jamaican patients with transtibial amputation were fit with the system by a physical therapist.
- All patients achieved comfortable prosthetic use after initial fitting and gait training.
Findings:
- Five patients reported consistent daily use of the prostheses.
- No adverse events or component failures occurred despite rugged environmental use.
- The modular system proved effective for transtibial lower limb loss patients.
Implications:
- This prosthetic care model can address the significant demand in developing nations.
- Distributing modular systems and utilizing allied health professionals enhances prosthetic accessibility.
- The system demonstrates potential for improving quality of life for amputees in resource-limited settings.
