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. 2024 Jan 1;104(1):38-44.
doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002536.

Prospective Intervention Study Using Immediate-Fit, Adjustable Prostheses for Persons With Lower Limb Loss in Botswana-A Feasibility and Patient Acceptance Trial

Maikutlo Kebaetse  1 , Ntsatsi Mogorosi, Jessica Kenia, Frances Shofer, Timothy Dillingham
Affiliations

Prospective Intervention Study Using Immediate-Fit, Adjustable Prostheses for Persons With Lower Limb Loss in Botswana-A Feasibility and Patient Acceptance Trial

Maikutlo Kebaetse et al. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. .

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to test the feasibility of an immediate-fit, adjustable prosthesis (iFIT Prosthesis) for persons with limb loss in Botswana.

Design: As part of the University of Pennsylvania and University of Botswana's long-term partnership, 18 persons with limb loss were fit at four different locations in Botswana. Patients were followed for 4-9 mos after fitting with an interview and Prosthetic Comfort and Utility questionnaire.

Results: Out of 18 participants, 13 were located and provided follow-up feedback. Seven of the original 13 were still wearing the adjustable socket, while three reverted to their old socket and three did not use any socket. The highest positive rated question was the ability of the socket to accommodate changes in volume. Twelve (92%) of the participants said that they would recommend the system, yet cited that bulk and lack of cosmetic cover as major issues. For participants who had a conventional prosthesis, it took over a year to get their device through prosthetists using conventional fabrication techniques.

Conclusions: This socket system seems to be a feasible option for persons with lower limb loss in Botswana. To address the issues raised by participants and enhance user acceptance, the immediate-fit, adjustable system should become less bulky and include a cosmetic cover.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclaimer: Dr. Dillingham founded the company iFIT Prosthetics, LLC and is the major owner and director. He has financial interest in the prosthetic system being presented in this article. He signed a National Institutes of Health compliant conflict of interest management agreement with the University of Pennsylvania Provost for Research. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. iFIT Prosthetics, LLC, owns patents: #8470050, #8491667, #8845755, #10398577, #10806608, #11382775, and #11766343. No other conflicts of interest for the other authors listed. Financial disclosure statements have been obtained, and no conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors or by any individuals in control of the content of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The iFIT transtibial (BK) prosthesis on the right side
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
iFIT Transfemoral Prosthesis
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
This figure represents the mean and standard deviations for the scores from each question on the Prosthetic Comfort and Utility Questionnaire (N=13)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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