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Standard prosthetic technology has been very important in helping amputees to return to their normal functioning. Unfortunately, many developing countries cannot sustain the technologies used for amputees in industrialized nations. Moreover, the needs of landmine victims require specialized solutions, as their injuries generally occur at a younger age and create different medical issues. By focusing on the development of cost-effective, high-quality appropriate technologies, the RERC on Improved Technology Access for Landmine Survivors seeks to respond to these needs. The RERC is focusing development efforts on six projects related to prosthetic fabrication, socket and foot design, production and dissemination and adjustable wheelchair design.

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D1 - CIR Prosthetic Casting System for Transfemoral and Transradial Socket Fabrication 

We are currently developing and testing two new prosthetic casting systems for the rapid creation of transfemoral and transradial sockets using inexpensive recyclable materials. This activity builds upon the successful development of our patented CIR Transtibial Prosthetic Fabrication System.  Click here for more on the CIR Prosthetic Casting System.

D2 - Fitting, Alignment, and Fabrication Methodologies

One subproject explores the fabrication of a pre-aligned, single-piece, copolymer prosthesis for transtibial amputees, using the CIR Transtibial Socket Fabrication System and the CIR Alignment Fabrication Jig (CIR-AFJ). The second subproject develops a fabrication process for transtibial exoskeletal prostheses using the vertical alignment axis technique. Click here for more on Fitting, Alignment, and Fabrication methodologies.

D3 - CIR Adjustable Socket

The goals of this project are to develop a low-cost, low-maintenance socket that is easily adjustable; to collect anthropometric data in mine-affected areas; and to evaluate the durability of the adjustable socket through clinical and field-testing. Click here for more on the CIR Adjustable Socket.

D4 - Cosmetic Elements for the Shape&Roll Prosthetic Foot

In collaboration with Northwestern University RERC on Prosthetics and Orthotics, a low-cost, copolymer prosthetic foot was developed for use in low-income countries. Based on the subject’s height, weight, and foot size, a customized foot is made using Shape&Roll principles. The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost, durable cosmetic cover that can be easily manufactured.

D5 - Wheelchairs for Children

The goal of this project is to develop a child’s wheelchair that is lighter and stronger than existing models, works off-road, and can be inexpensively manufactured in the developing world. The design for this wheelchair is based on the same technology used for the CIR-Whirlwind adjustable adult wheelchair; as a result, wheelchair users need only two sizes of chair to benefit from a properly fitting chair throughout a lifetime.  This project is conducted in collaboration with Whirlwind Wheelchair International.

D6 - Alternative Wheelchair Propulsion Mechanisms

This project aims to design, develop, and test alternative propulsion mechanisms for off-road manual wheelchairs. Evidence has shown that different technologies based on the Capstan Loop Theory could be developed.  Researchers are exploring the possibilities of a removable propulsion device as well.  The removable device will utilize existing bicycle technology and should be capable of being stowed discreetly within the wheelchair frame, in order to avoid theft or loss of the part. This project is conducted in collaboration with Whirlwind Wheelchair International.

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For more information on these projects, contact engineeringsupport@cirnetwork.org