Team members: Andre Woloshuk, Mitchell Hoge, Peter Russel, Michael Loke
There are an estimated 9.6 million people in developing countries living with the consequences of lower limb amputation. With monthly Guatemalan incomes averaging less than $300, affordable prosthetics lack the necessary stability and flexibility to allow patients to earn a living. There is a need for a comfortable, durable, and locally produced ankle prosthetic for adults in developing countries that provides the same range of motion as the normal human ankle at low-cost and. In order to solve this clinical need, a solution has been developed that can help improve mobility and help lower limb amputees regain independence to support themselves and their families. This unique design restricts the range of motion of the ankle to precise angles for plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion, adduction, abduction to mimic normal human motion. The solution gives the ankle controlled motion as well as a method for returning the foot to an un-rotated, equilibrium position. Additionally, the design withstands extensive (2 million cycles) repetitive loading. The ankle-foot interface is composed of a four-hole pyramid receiver, which is a standard connecting piece for all prosthetic ankles. This allows the design to be universal to all prosthetic feet. Verification testing has shown this design is able to provide increased flexibility and stability, while remaining low-cost, accessible, and durable for amputees in developing countries. This prosthetic will provide an avenue for amputees to return to work and independent living.
12 апр 2017
