Article

In the mid-1990s, a number of key publications and meetings of experts identified
major technical issues associated with prosthetic technologies intended for
developing countries.
These included inadequate durability of prosthetic feet,
poor socket quality and prosthetic fit, improper alignment of prostheses, and
inferior function of components. To examine the progress that has been made since
then in addressing these issues, a comprehensive review of literature was
performed. In total, 106 articles were selected and included in the review. The
review examined prosthetic technologies categorized into feet and ankles, knees,
sockets and suspension, and materials, structures, and alignment methods.
Moreover, publications were categorized as technical development, clinical
(lab-based) testing, or clinical field testing studies. The results reveal
important work that has been carried out to develop and implement standardized
outcome measures during field testing, allowing various existing prosthetic
technologies to be evaluated in terms of their use, function, durability, and
other factors. Progress has also been made toward addressing the aforementioned
limitations of prosthetic technologies, however, more research and development is
required. This includes improving the durability of the external cosmetic
features of prosthetic feet, developing more functional prosthetic knee joints,
and simplifying fabrication techniques to further improve outcomes associated
with socket fit and prosthetic alignment. Research and development collaborations
between developed and developing countries, and the dissemination of ongoing
research, development, and evaluation activities are essential to the advancement
of prosthetic technologies in these regions.

Langue : ANGLAIS