Technology
Jaipur foot uses two blocks of microcellular rubber and an ankle section made of lightweight willow wood; the foot also uses nylon cords, which are embedded in the rubber. Additional rubber is used to cover these units and to provide the final form of a human foot, adding flexibility and shock absorption.
The external cover uses a cosmetic rubber cushion compound, which gives the prosthetic the color and texture of natural skin. In 1982, the Jaipur Foot team started testing and using EVA polyethylene copolymer for the fabrication of a soft insert and strong high-density polyethylene for a total contact socket that could provide cushioning and shock absorption where the limb is inserted into the prosthetic. These two sections, along with the Jaipur foot and a cuff suspension, complete the prosthesis for dynamic alignment. This unit is several times stronger than a normal human leg and provides mobility close to a natural movement for patients.
Because the Jaipur foot has been so successful, the idea of translating its advantages to other types of prostheses became a natural next step. Stanford University has designed a fourbar- linkage polycentric knee joint for above-knee amputees called the Stanford Jaipur knee.
The external cover uses a cosmetic rubber cushion compound, which gives the prosthetic the color and texture of natural skin. In 1982, the Jaipur Foot team started testing and using EVA polyethylene copolymer for the fabrication of a soft insert and strong high-density polyethylene for a total contact socket that could provide cushioning and shock absorption where the limb is inserted into the prosthetic. These two sections, along with the Jaipur foot and a cuff suspension, complete the prosthesis for dynamic alignment. This unit is several times stronger than a normal human leg and provides mobility close to a natural movement for patients.
Because the Jaipur foot has been so successful, the idea of translating its advantages to other types of prostheses became a natural next step. Stanford University has designed a fourbar- linkage polycentric knee joint for above-knee amputees called the Stanford Jaipur knee.
The knee has a dynamic center of rotation that varies with knee flexion, thus easily mimicking human knee movement. It is stable during the standing, bending, and swinging phases of leg movement but also allows the user to sit on the floor. The fourth generation of this knee is currently being used at BMVSS, and over 7,500 have been fitted to patients in India with excellent results. Although the Jaipur foot is nearly 50 years old, ironically, in this high-tech age, it remains the most well-used and wellloved prosthetic in many regions of the world. A relatively simple tool continues to make a huge difference for needy and disadvantaged amputees in India and across the globe.
