632 chapter 67
Artificial leg using PVC plastic pipe instead of bamboo
Where plastic PVC water pipe is available, it can be used instead of bamboo. Use a
3 cm. (1¼ inch) thick-walled PVC.
1. Measure
the tube
the same as
bamboo, and
cut it to
form 4
strips.
2. Heat the
PVC in an oven
until it gets a
little soft.
3. Fit the hot
PCV around the
socket piece
and wrap it
tightly with a
long strip of
cloth or rubber
until it cools.
4. Fasten PVC firmly
to socket with wire
or rivets (or both). It
is best to attach it
temporarily with
wire and to have
the child try it
before you fix it
permanently.
5. Cover with
sawdust and glue,
or with resin-
base casting
bandage (very
expensive) or
with fiberglass
and resin (also
expensive).
Note: For a stronger, water-resistant limb, the socket can also be
made with resin-based casting bandage. But this is also expensive.
Adjusting the PVC leg
After the child tries on the
leg, if the angle seems
wrong, you can gently heat
the PVC near the stump,
and bend it to the
desired position.
Lengthening the PVC leg to allow for growth of the child
1. Cut
through
PVC
pipe.
2. Cut a
strong
hardwood
rod or
plastic
tube that
just fits
inside
the PVC.
3. Cut a ring of PVC.
pipe as long as the
additional leg length
needed. (Make it a
little extra long to
allow for more growth.)
4. Put the wood rod inside
the PVC with the new ring
of PVC.
5. Drill
holes and
screw or
bolt leg
together
tightly.
6. When an even
longer limb is needed,
replace the short
ring with a longer one.
7. If necessary, to make the
joint stronger, cut a piece of PVC
lengthwise, heat it, put it over
the leg tube, and attach it tightly.
IMPORTANT: For both below-knee and above-knee limbs, try to line up the limb as
well as possible so that its angle is similar to the other leg and ‘feels right’ when the
child stands and steps. Often this requires repeated tries and adjustments. Getting
the limb to line up right is the key to successful limb fitting. It helps to learn this
from someone skilled at fitting limbs.
Disabled village Children