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Low-Cost, Adjustable, Pediatric Prosthetic Leg

JSHS · 2024

Luc Nguyen, Dr. Ha Van Vo · Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Lawrenceville, GA

Overview

The loss of a limb severely diminishes an individual’s ability to function independently, hindering participation in society. The majority of amputees in developing nations encounter major constraints in obtaining a prosthesis due to the limited access to prosthetic care and lack of funds. Children face more challenges because they require frequent replacements of their devices due to growth, resulting in greater overall healthcare costs. The absence of or interruption in the use of a prosthetic leg can have detrimental effects on skeletal and muscular development. The aim of this study was to design a low -cost, modular, and adjustable transtibial (below -the-knee) pediatric leg which would be self-adjustable in height and in volume, ideally allowing the user to retain the same prosthesis for up to four years and substitute individual components in the event a section becomes worn or damaged, thereby reducing the frequency of medical visits and costs. This second-year project focuses on re-designing the first-year model with different methods and materials including (i) smaller increments of height adjustment to reduce limb length disparity, (ii) a volume adjustment feature in the socket to accommodate growth of the residual limb, (iii) increased strength of the pylon and locking mechanism, (iv) increased strength of the foot and enhancing its ability to reserve energy, and (v) improved comfort in the socket area. The goals to incorporate these new features while providing a natural fit and maintaining affordability were met. The prototype, costing approximately $100 and weighing 1.5 pounds, satisfied safety standards under mechanical testing.

Competition history

  • JSHS 2024 Category not listed

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