The Jaipur foot: the best option for the West Indian amputee - abstract

ABSTRACT

The amputation rate at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital has doubled over the last 10 years from 114 and 102 in 1979 and 1980 to 274 and 225 in 1988 and 1989. The majority of the amputees are not able to work again because of the unavailability of a suitable prosthesis and physical and psychological rehabilitation are severely compromised. In order to overcome this, we decided to carry out a programme of fitting of prostheses. Of 200 amputees who were assessed 92 were fitted with prostheses, 60 (65 percent) above and 32 (35 percent) below the knee. Most were diabetics ranging in age from 18 to 62 years with a MF ratio of 1.21. The Jaipur foot prosthesis was chosen for its light weight (about 2 kg), low cost (US$8 - $18), and good features (waterproof, well ventilated, good grip, shock absorbent, flexible and cosmetic appearance). Four patients returned for minor adjustments to the stump/socket interface and 90 percent expressed extreme satisfaction with their prosthesis. The Jaipur foot prosthesis seems ideal for West Indian amputees and there is a strong case for an on-going well co-ordinated programme involving trained technicians, physiotheraptists and surgeons to address the needs of the large amputee population in Trinidad and Tobago (AU)_