Steve Smith
Writer of fast-moving action/adventures
Prosthetics - compare the market!
A comparison of the various prostheses available today - the good, the not-so-good and the expensive.
Homemade prosthetics
This is what amputees will do in the developing world to create a prosthesis when no other option is available.
High-mobility/low cost prosthetics
IRT aims to produce high-mobility/low-cost prosthetics for the developing world. The leg is the invention of professional inventor Ed Pennington-Ridge. It has the following amzing advantages over other equivalents in the developing world:
- It bends at the ankle, mirroring the functions of a real leg.
- At under 4100 per limb, it is incredibly cheap to produce.
- With simple machine tools, it can be manufactured in the country of need.
- Initial trials revela a 95% satisfaction rating: lighter, faster, cheaper, more mobile.
In many cases, across the developing world, artificial limbs are either unavailable, too expensive, or handmade.
- It bends at the ankle, mirroring the functions of a real leg.
- At under 4100 per limb, it is incredibly cheap to produce.
- With simple machine tools, it can be manufactured in the country of need.
- Initial trials revela a 95% satisfaction rating: lighter, faster, cheaper, more mobile.
In many cases, across the developing world, artificial limbs are either unavailable, too expensive, or handmade.
Pre-used legs for Africa.
The situation regarding the provision of prosthetic legs for the developing world is so desperate, that even pre-used limbs are being shipped to Africa to fill the gap.
More pre-used limbs for Africa.
Different foot types.
This image shows three of the artificial foot types available. The lightweight model in black is made from carbon-fibre. It replicates a normal gait extremely well, and is available in the West foir sums in excess of $3,500. The brown foot, made of wood, is the most common type found in the developing world. It doesn't flex at the ankle. Whilst being better than nothing, it is effectively a 'stabiliser' on a peg-leg. The green/silver leg is the DC-3 being developed by International Refugee Trust. It can be produced for under $100. It flexes at the ankle and replicates a normal gait very well.
Two men walking with the DC-3.
The DC-3 was trialled in Tanzania with 20 beneficiaries. It received a 95% approval rating: faster, lighter, more mobile over steep and rough terrain.
Woman walking with the DC-3.
Here is the DC-3 being trialled successfully in Tanzania.
Landmine victim.
Photograph courtesy of United Nations.
Landmine victim -DRC.
Photograph courtesy of United Nations.
Landmine victims - South Sudan.
Photograph courtesy of United Nations.
Young amputee victim of the Afghan War.
Photograph by Giles Duley.
This really works!
Explaining the DC-3 prosthetic leg to an audience of supporters.