International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics

Prosthetics and Orthotics International ():10.1097/PXR.0000000000000340, January 30, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000340

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.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of 2 different trans-femoral prosthetic systems, a conventional wood-resin design and an ICRC polypropylene design, in a developing country when implemented by teachers and their associates at an ISPO Caegory II recognised training establishment. The study was conducted at the Tanzanian Training Centre for Orthopaedic Technologists (TATCOT). Amputees were selected from a cohort of younger amputees, mostly with traumatic amputations, 27 were provided with the conventional design of prosthesis and 35 with the ICRC design. The outcome was evaluated clinically and technically after a median of 20 months (conventional) and 15 months (ICRC) respectively. For all prostheses provided the craftsmanship was considered acceptable in 71%, and patient satisfaction was assessed as 92%, patient compliance as 98%. Failures requiring a major intervention represented 32%. Both systems provided in this controlled environment were considered to give an acceptable clinical and technical result.

Introduction In the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) there was a need for developing a policy regarding consumers. The consumers (patients, being the users of prostheses or orthoses or orthopaedic shoes and the users of the seniices of the prosthetics and orthotics facilities) are central actors in the field of total quality management regarding prostheses, orthoses and shoes. ISPO has great interest in consumer affairs such as services and quality of prosthetics and orthotics facilities, consumer satisfaction, and accessibility of facilities. This policy paper has recommendations to all personnel (prosthetists, managers, engineers, medical doctors, physical therapists etc.) with regard to the professional relationship to consumers. The main international document to support the writing of this ISPO policy paper with regard to persons with a disability is the Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Those Rules were formulated and adopted by the United Nations Plenary Meeting on 20 December 1993 to provide a starting point for the design of new policies by national governments. All member states accepted these Standard Rules for that purpose. Also, the Health Care Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and other manuscripts were used to prepare this policy paper. The Executive Board of ISPO accepted this policy paper in

Prosthetics and Orthotics International: December 2002 - Volume 26 - Issue 3 - p 177 doi: 10.1080/03093640208726644

Prosthetics and Orthotics International 4(3):p 126-127, December 1980. | DOI: 10.3109/03093648009164582