Field testing

Clinical testing of components in a field setting is not often undertaken, which is a major gap. As recommended in the 2017 WHO Standards for Prosthetics and Orthotics, field testing should complement structural testing to determine the strength, durability, functionality, safety, and effectiveness of components in normal use. The lack of a standardized approach to field testing makes it challenging to make an objective comparison of performance. A standard protocol is needed based on a set of unified

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outcome measures, pertaining to ‘wear and tear’ or durability. However, many small companies do not have the resources or network to conduct such field evaluations.

ISPO has developed two tools to address the lack of standardized data and information about outcomes in the prosthetics sector: 141