A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical acceptance of prosthetic limb sockets manufactured using solid freeform fabrication (SFF). The fabrication of sockets for amputees is a natural application for SFF. The socket is the part of the prosthetic limb that fits onto the amputee’s residual limb. Each socket is custom manufactured for each individual amputee. Four amputees were succe...

The objectives of this project were to ascertain whether, to date, the views concerning the determination of prosthetic candidacy have been optimal and whether the training methods applied have been effective and have resulted in constant use of the prosthesis after conclusion of the training programme. Secondly it was intended to set up guidelines for future budgeting as well as providing a re...

BACKGROUND To assess the 5-year and 10-year survival rates of major (above ankle disarticulation level) dysvascular lower limb amputees attending a sub-regional Disablement Services Centre (DSC) specialising in amputee rehabilitation. Also to investigate the association between survival rates, cause of dysvascularity, level of amputation, smoking status and occupational status. SETTING The st...

Advances in combat casualty care have contributed to unprecedented survival rates of battlefield injuries, challenging the field of rehabilitation to help injured service members achieve maximal functional recovery and independence. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the care of the multiple-limb amputee. Specialized medical, surgical, and rehabilitative interventions are needed to opti...

The Dundee Limb Fitting Centre has provided an integrated rehabilitation programme for the amputee since 1965. A review of 1846 primary amputees is discussed. During this period a dramatic change in the above-knee/below-knee (AK/BK) ratio has been achieved with 71% BK and 26% AK occurring in 1989. Over 80% of all amputees, the majority being elderly with peripheral vascular disease, were succes...

Individuals with transtibial amputations have difficulties in performing march and stay in balance, directly affecting their quality of life. The use of prostheses can enable the rehabilitation of the individual, but we question how effective are for certain tasks and how they can still improve. To evaluate the prosthesis for transtibial amputation, a comparative study was conducted with two gr...