Polypropylene Prosthesis

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

ICRC develops polypropylene technology and trains local professionals in the use of technology to establish local limb-fitting centers. The establishment of these local centers allows ICRC to transfer responsibility to a local government or partner NGOs. In certain circumstances, ICRC may substitute entirely for the authorities, but 90% of ICRC projects are managed in close cooperation with local partners, primarily government authorities.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Individually crafted by a prosthetic technician on location using ICRC manufacturing guidelines

Intellectural Property Type

Open Source

User Provision Model

Worldwide at ICRC sponsored limb-fitting centers. In 2011 ICRC-assisted centers produced 19,740 prostheses and fitted the following amount of new patients with prostheses: Africa (2,435), Asia (4,265), Europe and the Americas (393), Near and Middle East (1,527)

Distributions to Date Status

437,910 prostheses as of 2014.

Design Specifications

The core of the prosthetic system is made of polypropylene. The injection process is used for making the components. Other parts of the prosthetic device (sockets, cosmetic covers, etc) are made of polypropylene sheets using thermoforming. For thorough design specifications: ICRC Resource Center, Manufacturing Guidelines. Design history

Technical Support

ICRC-assisted centers are established locally and can provide technical support.

Replacement Components

Ordered from manufacturer's website (CR Equipments Switzerland)

Lifecycle

Replace: Adult prosthesis: 3-5 years. The child might expect to be fitted for a prosthesis 15-20 times in a lifetime. Waste material from polypropylene technology is recycled in many countries to make components of walking aids.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

ICRC's Physical Rehabilitation Programme promotes the use of technology appropriate for the context in which it operates (primarily countries effected by war and low-income or developing countries). It lists the following guidelines for any technology it deploys for the physically disabled:

• Durable, comfortable, easy for patients to use and maintain
• Easy for technicians to learn, use and repair
• Standardized but compatible with the climate in different regions of the world
• Low-cost but modern and consistent with internationally accepted standards
• Easily available

Vetted Performance Status

A study by ISPO followed 32 trans-tibial amputees using ICRC designed and manufactured polypropylene prostheses. 28 users were satisfied with the ICRC prosthesis and 23 found it to be their preferred artificial limb when compared to others. In the same study, minor failures of the prostheses were encountered, such as small cracks in the hard socket (4 instances) and cracks in the cosmetic seam (3 instances). ISPO concluded at the end of the study that ICRC's polypropylene technology can be recommended for trans-tibial prostheses. A second study by ISPO comparing ICRC polypropylene design with a conventional wood-resign design found both systems to provide acceptable technical and clinical results.

Safety

Ill-fitting prosthetic can result in physical discomfort and pain to the patient

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown, but the following standards exist for orthotics and prosthetics:

• International Standards Organization (ISO) has a standards catalogue from their Prosthetics and Orthotics Technical Committee
• International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics "Prosthetics and Orthotics Programme Guide: Implementing P&O Services in Low-Income Settings"

Other Information

None