Development of an Inexpensive Upper-Extremity Prosthesis for Use in Developing Countries

In Brief Because of war, inaccessibility to health care, and an unsafe farming environment, the upper-limb amputee population in developing countries is growing at an alarming rate. Owning a prosthesis can raise an amputee out of a life of begging and facilitate his return to gainful employment. However, a severe lack of funds prevents most amputees from receiving a prosthesis. This can be changed through the development of an effective and inexpensive upper-extremity prosthesis. The prosthesis should possess the following traits: functionality at minimum cost, durability, simplicity, ease of repair, adaptability to local materials, and cultural acceptability. A prosthetic arm has been designed with these goals in mind. To reduce the need for specialized equipment and highly skilled prosthetists, the socket is easily fabricated on the amputee’s stump. The arm can be adapted to fit either transhumeral or transradial amputees. Maintenance and repair costs are minimized by eliminating the terminal device cable and using readily available materials. Prototype prostheses have been tested with five amputees, four below-elbow and one above-elbow. The lightweight design was considered one of the most positive characteristics. Suggested modifications included strengthening the grip force of the split hook and increasing the comfort of the socket. Overall, the prosthesis was considered functionally sufficient for light duty tasks. This inexpensive design could facilitate a Third World amputee’s return to gainful employment, aiding his family, and boosting his country’s economic growth. Future research building upon the results of this study will include designing a production prototype and testing it internationally. Because of war, inaccessibility to healthcare, and an unsafe farming environment, the upper limb amputee population in developing countries is growing at an alarming rate. Owning a prosthesis can help raise an amputee out of a life of begging and facilitate his return to gainful employment. However, lack of funds will prevent most amputees from ever receiving a prosthesis. The authors discuss the development of an effective and inexpensive upper-extremity prosthesis.