Local Prosthetic and Orthotic Component Development
Prosthetics Outreach Foundation has pioneered the local manufacturing of low cost, durable prosthetic components, including knee joints, bushings, and pylons in developing countries.  Local manufacturing of components is sustainable for the long term through the reduction of the need for imported components and provision of local employment. By reducing costs associated with imported components, countries can serve more amputees with limited resources. Through these efforts, POF continues to help developing countries build a rehabilitation system that is capable of serving amputees without external assistance. Component development also builds skills of local technical staff and promotes collaborations with local technical institutions and businesses.
Local manufacturing is designed to meet the specific needs and conditions of developing countries. For example, the EB1 Foot, a rubber foot that is water resistant and hence more durable in Vietnam’s humid climate, was developed in response to rapidly deteriorating imported foam feet. A comparative study by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics found that the EB1 Foot had a rare 100% survival rate after 18 months of intensive field trials.
Beginning in 1996, POF began assisting local orthopedic centers in Vietnam to manufacture prosthetic components with locally available materials and labor. POF was able to also assist with the local manufacturing of orthotic components. A total of seven different orthotic products have been developed and are currently being used in Vietnam. Today all components used by POF partners in Vietnam are made in country.
We are now experimenting with different materials to increase the components’ strength, while reducing the weight and cost of the components.
The expertise gained from our local manufacturing efforts in Vietnam is now being used to help our program partners in Bangladesh, Sierra Leone and Haiti develop similar capabilities. Local component development reduces import, transport, and logistical costs, which are very significant for developing countries.Each country’s experience of component development has contributed to improvements to the overall program and encourages local employment.
