Evaluation of polypropylene prostheses designed by the International Committee of the Red Cross for trans-tibial amputees

Thirty-two (32) trained prosthesis users with 34 trans-tibial amputations, mostly due to war, were fitted with prostheses fabricated from polypropylen e (PP) prosthetic components designed and manufactured by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The patients were followed prospectivel y for 10 and 19 months. All but one patient had at least one other type of prosthesis to compare with. Twenty-eight (28) patients were satisfied with the PP prosthesis. Among the se 23 found the PP prosthesis the preferred artificial limb, and one patien t found the PP limb equal to the aluminium prosthesis previously in use. In 6/28 patients having an aluminium (ALU) prostheses this was found the best , and the 1 already mentioned found it equivalent to the new technology. In only 1/20 cases having an Automated Fabrication of Mobility Aids (AFMA) pr osthesis available this was found the best. One (1) double-amputee found al l three designs equal. Minor failures of the PP prostheses were encountered; in 4 cases small crac ks in the hard socket; in 3 cases cracks of the cosmetic socket seam. From an overall prospect the PP technology can be recommended for trans-tibial p rostheses.