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On firmer footing
The polyurethane technology, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of ISRO at Thiruvananthapuram is a spin-off, borne out of VSSC's pioneering research and development of various polymeric materials and systems of high reliability and quality for launch vehicles and satellites. The technology transferred to the Bhagavan Mahavir Vikalanaga Sahayatha Samithi, Jaipur, helps to produce more durable, lighter and comfortable artificial 'Jaipur Foot' in large numbers, says the latest issue of 'Space India', the official journal of ISRO. The modified Jaipur foot substitutes the rubber and wooden ankle block of the conventional 'Jaipur Foot' with more durable polyurethane (PU) micro cellular foams.
Before transferring the technology, the new polyurethane foot was subjected to accelerated flex fatigue tests and patient trials. Following this, the foot prostheses were sent to Jaipur and successfully fitted to many patients in collaboration with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (DPMR) at the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, as well as community-based rehabilitation camps. "The PU foot prostheses are bio-mechanically advantageous as far as comfort levels are concerned," ISRO sources point out. The slip resistance of the PU foot is much higher than rubber and allied materials used in conventional artificial foot prostheses," the sources say. The sources also claim that due to this, amputees using the PU foot prostheses can walk more safely on any surface and as its abrasion resistance is higher, the PU foot lasts longer. The journal says the agreement for the transfer of PU foot technology, free of cost, will enable the Jaipur-based social organisation to produce the PU foot in large quantities for the benefit of masses, especially amongst the poor amputees.
"Though it is acceptable for lower limb amputees, especially for the poor in India, there are several defects which needed to be corrected," says the journal adding that its manufacturing process is cumbersome and highly labour intensive and hence production was low. Polyurethane is a versatile polymer that can be produced in various forms like adhesives, flexible and rigid forms and coating material, it says. The VSSC has developed PU polymer and its advanced derivatives, which are being extensively used in propellants, cryogenic insulation, thermal insulation pads, structural damping, acoustic insulation and other lightweight structural materials for vibration control, shock absorption liners and adhesives. As a spin-off of these research activities, VSSC has succeeded in developing several polymers like PU, silicon-epoxies, synthetic rubbers, adhesive resins and other products for making artificial limbs and orthotic appliances. Published on 22nd November, 2002
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Copyright
2008, Chennai Interactive
Business Services (P) Ltd. |
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is much more than an agency striving for a foothold in Space considering that it has recently transferred its polyurethane technology for the production of artificial foot to a Jaipur-based social
organisation.
The polyurethane foam foot, moulded with cosmetically attractive skin covers, made also of PUs, are found to be more acceptable to amputees, the journal says. A number of amputees have been successfully fitted with such prostheses produced under the technology transferred by
ISRO.
The conventional Jaipur foot is made from vulcanised natural rubber compound and wooden ankle block, which is comparatively heavy.
