title: Evaluation of use and durability of polypropylene trans-tibial prostheses.
abstract: Forty-three (43) trans-tibial prostheses with a mean period of use of 33 months were evaluated in terms of utilisation and durability. The majority of the prostheses (80%) were worn by amputees with demanding occupations, such as farmers, fishermen and tradesmen. The prostheses were in use approximately 9 hours per day. No major or frequent breakdowns of the polypropylene prosthetic components were found. The suspension belts were the parts most frequently affected; a total of 32 needed replacement after an average 11 months of use. Eleven (11) prostheses were completely replaced, more than half at least partly because of socket-fitting problems. In all, socket-fitting problems were found in 15 prostheses, causing pain and consequently limitation of use. While the prosthetic polypropylene components were satisfactory, the rubber foot was a major cause of early breakdown. A total of 40 feet were replaced; their mean period of use before breakdown was 9 months. In practice, parts were frequently replaced at a later stage than desirable, meaning that there was frequent "overuse" of prostheses with worn parts. Measures were taken to increase the life span of the prosthesis: change in the design of the foot; issuing a spare foot with the prosthesis; strengthening the suspension belt. Additional evaluations are necessary to confirm the degree to which the findings are representative.
authors.affiliation: International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Verhoeff
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Poetsma
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gasser
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tung
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D014744:Vietnam
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes