Clinical field testing of polyurethane feet for trans-tibial amputees in tropical low-income countries

In a prospective controlled study, 172 polyurethane feet of different designs were fitted to 155 amputees with trans-tibial prostheses. These were followed in respect of their durability. The amputee compliance was in general good, and 87% were satisfied with their device. After 18 months the failur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Prosthetics and orthotics international Vol. 30; no. 2; p. 182
Main Authors: Steen Jensen, J, Nilsen, R, Thanh, N H, Saldana, A, Hartz, C
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England 01-08-2006
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Summary:In a prospective controlled study, 172 polyurethane feet of different designs were fitted to 155 amputees with trans-tibial prostheses. These were followed in respect of their durability. The amputee compliance was in general good, and 87% were satisfied with their device. After 18 months the failure rate of 20% with the CIREC spring-blade foot was significantly better than the others, but poorer craftsmanship, higher complaint rate and lower compliance rate cast some doubt on the results. The results with the conventional SACH foot constructions with polyurethane as filling and covering materials were so poor after 18 months that their use cannot be recommended in tropical areas of the developing world.
ISSN:0309-3646
DOI:10.1080/03093640600794684