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In order to better meet the needs of landmine survivors, the RERC conducts research on appropriate, efficient fabrication techniques and technologies, as well as appropriate mobility aids for adult and child landmine survivors. Research projects relate to prosthetic alignment, socket design, a new material for the direct lamination of prosthetic sockets and a wheelchair prototype manufacturing and dissemination strategy.

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R1 - Appropriate Materials and Techniques for the Direct Lamination of Sockets on the Residual Limb

This project examines the suitability of a non-toxic, non-exothermic resin for prosthetic applications. Successful development of the resin as a direct lamination material would allow for faster, more cost-effective prosthetic socket fabrication, especially in remote areas where few prosthetic services are available but where many landmine survivors live. Partner:  ADM Tronics, Inc., Northvale, New Jersey.

R2 - Evaluation of the Effect of Ischial Containment Socket Trim-lines on the Gait of Transfemoral Amputees

This project seeks to determine how a transfemoral amputee’s gait will change as the trim-lines of an ischial containment socket are lowered.  A better understanding of how the trim-lines affect prosthetic function will help to develop transfemoral prosthetic socket fabrication techniques using the CIR prosthetic casting system, which is expected to be easy to teach, learn and apply.

R3 - Evaluation of Alignment Methodologies

By assessing the SACH (solid ankle, cushioned heel) prosthetic foot, this project identifies factors that relate to the alignment of the SACH foot with the residual limb and the effect of body weight on the deformation of the SACH heel.  Evaluating the alignment of various types of SACH feet will provide a better understanding of the relationships among compression, weight, foot dimensions and the supporting base (shoe).  These elements are critical variables in prosthetic alignment, especially with monolithic assemblies, where adjustability is limited.

R4 - Evaluation of Casting and Alignment Procedures for Outreach Services

The goal of this project is to assess two alignment techniques, the Anatomically-Based-Alignment (ABA) and the Vertical Alignment Axis (VAA), that can be used to capture alignment measurements before a prosthesis is made. These techniques enable prosthetists to visit remote areas, capture alignment measures on a cast of the residual limb, fabricate the prosthesis at a central facility and then return to deliver the prosthesis.  These techniques will facilitate the fabrication of monolimbs, copolymer prostheses where the socket, pylon, and ankle bushing form one contiguous unit, which have limited alignment adjustability.  Click here for more on Evaluation of Casting and Alignment.

R5 - Assessment of Appropriate Wheelchair Technology and its Transfer and Dissemination

Through this project, the RERC’s goal is to test a wheelchair distribution strategy that combines central fabrication with local assembly, fitting and delivery of the CIR-Whirlwind Wheelchair, an adjustable wheelchair specially designed for use in rugged terrain.  Click here for more on the Assessment of Appropriate Wheelchair Technology.

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