Walking practice with an artificial limb

Young man practices walking with an artificial limb. Physiotherapist helps him.

The Jaipur Foot technology is unique on account of the manufacturing processes and materials used, which go beyond the normal system used elsewhere in the world.

BMVSS pioneered the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in prosthetic applications. HDPE is lightweight thermoplastic with high impact resistance and tensile strength. Moreover, as an inert material, it is not affected by climate change.

The socket and shank fabrication, using HDPE pipes, is a single-step process. This drastically reduces the manufacturing time as compared to the practice of lamination or thermoforming of sheets followed in most centres around the world. It facilitates rapid turnover in the manufacture of artificial limbs; the turnover time is a very important consideration because of the large number of patients needing prosthetic services. The sockets so fabricated are lightweight, seamless, strong and waterproof. The colour of the HDPE pipes — which is close to the natural colour of skin — obviates the need for additional cosmetic cover.

Both open-ended and total contact sockets and exo- and endo-skeletal designs are used at BMVSS, and fitted as required.

The manufacturing process of the foot. Each craftsperson makes 5 to 6 feet per day. They work a 6 day week and the majority of them are amputees or affected by polio themselves. Various rubber and wooden pieces are used to construct the foot before it is put into a die that gives it the realistic appearance.

Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) is the world's largest organisation serving the disabled. This NGO provides all its assistance, including artificial limbs, calipers and other aids and appliances totally free of charge.

BMVSS was registered as a society under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act on March 29, 1975 (vide registration number 261/1974-75). It has its headquarters at Jaipur (India). It is a pan-Indian or