A TECHNICAL REPORT ON

STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (S.I.W.E.S)

UNDERTAKEN AT

COLLAKS PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

7B IKORODU ROAD, MARYLAND, LAGOS STATE.

BY

ECHEGILE ASHLEY

2020/9220

SUBMITTED TO

DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

BELLS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OTA.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.ENG) IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING,

JULY TO SEPTEMBER, 2022.

This is to certify that ECHEGILE ASHLEY with matriculation number 2020/9220 of the

department of Biomedical Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Ogun State has

successfully completed her three months Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme

(SIWES) at Collaks Prosthetics and Orthotics, 7b Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos from

July to September.

………………………….. …………………………………..

ECHEGILE ASHLEY SIWES COORDINATOR

Student

ii
 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to God Almighty, who has kept me safe throughout the duration

of my program via his unfailing mercy, grace, love and faithfulness. Secondly, I’d like to

thank my parents Engr. and Mrs. Echegile for their support and encouragement during the

entire exercise.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, my acknowledgement goes to God Almighty for his mercy, love, the

strength and the opportunity given to me to the completion of my SIWES programme.

I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Oladele Gideon for giving me the opportunity

to intern and learn at Collaks Prosthetics and Orthotics. It was a wonderful experience that

gave me perspective on both the Biomedical engineering field and the job market.

I would also like to give thanks to my devoted parents and siblings for their assistance,

resources, and moral support in helping me finish the program.

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 ABSTRACT

Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a compulsory skills acquisition

training programme, designed to give university undergraduates in Nigeria appropriate

practical knowledge, and exposure to industrial workplace environment in their respective

discipline during their course of study and to understand the industrial application of the

theoretical knowledge they acquire within the four walls of the lecture hall (Mafe, 2009).

This report is a comprehensive summary of experience gained, projects, jobs, activities and

topics I carried out throughout my SIWES programme at Collaks Prosthetics.

v
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CERTIFICATION ............................................................................................................ ii

DEDICATION.................................................................................................................. iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................ iv

ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... v

TABLE OF CONTENT ..................................................................................................... vi

TABLE OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................... viii

CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................... 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1

1.2 HISTORY OF SIWES .................................................................................................. 1

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES ....................................................................... 2

CHAPTER TWO .............................................................................................................. 3

2.1 ORGANIZATION HISTORY ...................................................................................... 3

2.2 VISION ......................................................................................................................... 3

2.3 MISSION ...................................................................................................................... 3

2.4 STRATEGY.................................................................................................................. 4

2.5 ORGANOGRAM ......................................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER THREE .......................................................................................................... 5

3.1 EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED DURING TRAINING.................................................... 5

3.2 PROSTHETICS ............................................................................................................ 5

vi
3.2.1 TYPES OF SUSPENSION SYSTEM: .................................................................... 12

3.3 PRODUCTION OF SOME PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS ................................... 13

3.3.1 METHOD OF TAKING MEASUREMENT........................................................... 13

3.3.3 LAMINATION OF SOCKET ................................................................................. 14

3.3.4 PRODUCTION OF PELITE INSERT .................................................................... 15

3.4 PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS AND ALIGNMENT .............................................. 16

3.5 ORTHOTIC DEVICES .............................................................................................. 21

3.6 UPPER AND LOWER LIMB DEFORMITIES CORRECTED WITH ORTHOTICS

........................................................................................................................................... 22

3.7 MACHINES AND TOOLS USED IN PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS ........... 24

3.8 THEORETICAL ASPECT OF WORK ...................................................................... 28

CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................................... 31

4.1 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD ............... 31

4.2 RECOMMENDATION .............................................................................................. 31

4.3 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................... 31

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 32

vii
 TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Organogram of Collaks ....................................................................................... 4

Figure 2: Transtibial prosthesis ........................................................................................... 5

Figure 3: A person with PFFD ............................................................................................ 6

Figure 4: A manual locking knee joint ............................................................................... 7

Figure 5: Weight activated stance control knee .................................................................. 8

Figure 6: An above knee prosthetic with a pneumatic knee joint ....................................... 9

Figure 7: A passive prosthetic device ............................................................................... 10

Figure 8: Casting process for partial hand amputees ........................................................ 10

Figure 9: A patient with LLD ........................................................................................... 11

Figure 10: An example of a shuttle lock suspension system ............................................ 12

Figure 11: Belt suspension system .................................................................................... 13

Figure 12: A picture of cast .............................................................................................. 14

Figure 13: A picture of a pelite insert ............................................................................... 16

Figure 14: The different types of alignment ..................................................................... 19

Figure 15: Picture of a patient with scoliosis .................................................................... 22

Figure 16: Positive cast for a patient with scoliosis .......................................................... 23

Figure 17: Brace for a patient with scoliosis .................................................................... 23

Figure 18: KAFO for a patient with scoliosis ................................................................... 23

Figure 19: A drilling machine ........................................................................................... 25

Figure 20: Picture of an eyelet punch ............................................................................... 25

Figure 21:Hacksaw ........................................................................................................... 26

Figure 22: Picture of circular saw ..................................................................................... 26

viii
Figure 23: A bench vice .................................................................................................... 26

Figure 24: Heat gun .......................................................................................................... 27

Figure 25:An Allen key .................................................................................................... 27

ix
 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The student industrial training is the training programme which forms part of the academic

standards in the various degree programmes for all Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. It seeks

to bridge the gap between technology and other professional education programmes in

Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.

1.2 HISTORY OF SIWES

The ITF (Industrial Training Funds) was established in 1971 with the purpose of human

resource development and training. SIWES was then established by ITF in the year 1973

to solve the problem of lack of adequate skills for employment of graduates of higher

institutions by Nigerian Industries. Before SIWES was established, there was a growing

concern that graduates of higher institutions did not possess sufficient practical background

for employment. This was a huge problem for employers of labor and thousands of

Nigerians until 1973 when ITF decided to help all interested Nigerian students and

establish the SIWES program. It was officially approved and presented to Government in

1974.

1
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

1. To provide an avenue for students in the Nigerian universities to acquire industrial

skills and experience during their course of study;

2. To prepare students for work situations they are likely to meet after graduation;

3. To expose the students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and

machinery that may not be available in their universities;

4. To allow the transition phase from school to the world of working environment

easier and facilitate students’ contact for later job placements;

5. To provide students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real

work situations thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice;

6. To provide an avenue for students to practice and improve their technical skills;

7. To prepare students for employment in industry and commerce.

2
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 ORGANIZATION HISTORY

With its headquarters in Lagos State, Collaks prosthetics and orthotics is a small business

with 1 to 5 staff that was founded in 2017 with orthotics and later launched its prosthetic

section fully in 2018. They are a medical rehabilitation team made up of young, seasoned,

skilled, and motivated employees. They are dedicated to improving lives of persons living

with disability from upper body amputees to also lower body amputees also in fabrication

of supportive devices/braces for patients with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal

conditions.

Mr. Oladele Gideon, a student of prosthetics and orthotics at the National Orthopedic

Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), founded the organization with the goal of enhancing the lives

of those who are disabled by providing a variety of rehabilitation prosthetics and orthotics,

as well as physiotherapy and medical health consultations.

2.2 VISION

The vision of Collaks prosthetics is to be the number one and most reliable prosthetic and

orthotics clinic, dedicated to providing quality and affordable rehabilitation treatment to

persons living with disability and health challenges.

2.3 MISSION

To be the lead supportive agency for persons living with health challenges and disabilities

in Africa and a leading advocate for rights of everyone living with disabilities.

3
2.4 STRATEGY

Using forward thinking programs along with information technology, technological

advances and research, we are raising awareness about prosthetic and orthotics, creating a

credible data base for patients in Nigeria and other African countries providing quality

healthcare to affected families and persons, building capacity for rehaSbilitation team in

the health care sector. Making sure every disability is turned to unstoppable ability.

2.5 ORGANOGRAM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER (HEAD
PROSTHETIST)

HEAD OF
OPERATIONS

PROSTHETISTS
HEAD OF HEAD OF
AND
GRAPHICS MEDIA
ORTHTOTISTS

Figure 1: Organogram of Collaks

4
 CHAPTER THREE

3.1 EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED DURING TRAINING

I learned about upper and lower limb devices, their fabrication processes, and how to

assemble their components during the three months of my industrial training. I also gained

knowledge about lower and upper limb deformities, how they can be treated with prosthetic

and orthotic devices, and how to maintain the devices. I also had the honor of participating

in the consultation and treatment planning processes.

3.2 PROSTHETICS

Some of the lower limb prosthetic devices I worked on are:

1. Transtibial prosthetic device (below knee prosthetic device): this prosthetic device

replaces a patients’ lost limb from below the knee, the patient is amputated across

the tibial bone. Because there is no knee joint in a below knee prosthesis, its

components are quite different from those of a transfemoral prosthetic device. A

below knee prosthesis consists of an adapter, pylon, foot adapter and a foot.

Figure 2: Transtibial prosthesis

5
Patients need to be rehabilitated on walking with a transtibial prosthesis since the artificial

foot doesn’t usually move.

Other than transtibial amputees some other patients with lower limb defects also use a

below knee prosthetic device such as patients with PFFD (Proximal Femoral Focal

Deficiency). PFFD is a congenital condition caused by a defect in the primary ossification

center of the proximal femur that may present with an absent hip, femoral neck

pseudoarthritis, absent femur, or a shortened femur.

Figure 3: A person with PFFD

system and a shoe at the top of her prosthesis for her shortened limb to fit into.

2. Transfemoral prosthesis (above knee prosthesis): A transfemoral prosthesis is often

the most challenging of the types of prosthetics. It replaces a missing leg above the

knee. The artificial knee joint is controlled by hip motion, thus heavily influenced

6
 by the strength of the residual limb. A transfemoral prosthesis usually allows for

seemingly normal movement and function after a lengthy rehabilitation process. A

proper socket fit is essential to ensure comfort and stability. In the transfemoral

prosthesis the amputee depends on the stability of their knee joint when walking.

There are two types of knee joints:

• Mechanical knees

• Computerized knees

The knee joints we were able to work with were mechanical knees. Mechanical knees are

divided into single axis and multi axis(polycentric).

The types of knee joints made use of in the workplace are:

- Manual locking knees: they allow for automatic locking of the knee with weight

bearing, but the patient can choose to manually lock and unlock the knee joint. This

knee joint is given to patients who need more stability and security to keep their

knee from buckling when standing and walking. This type of knee is given to k1

ambulators who are usually not very active and do not move around a lot.

Figure 4: A manual locking knee joint

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- Weight activated stance control knee joint: it applies a braking force as the patient

puts weight on the prosthesis to prevent the knee from buckling. The rest of the

time, the knee will swing freely. When the patient wants to sit, he just has to apply

weight to it in the forward direction for the knee to bend. Figure 5 is an example of

an above knee prosthetic device with a weight activated stance control knee.

Figure 5: Weight activated stance control knee

- Pneumatic and hydraulic knees: This occurs when a single axis or multi axial knee

receives a pneumatic or hydraulic component (piston with cylinders carrying air or

fluid). These parts enable the user to change speeds while controlling the prosthetic

knee’s swinging motion. For k3 and k4 ambulators who are extremely active,

8
 pneumatic and hydraulic knees are typically prescribed. An example of such knee

joint is seen in figure 6 below.

Figure 6: An above knee prosthetic with a pneumatic knee joint

Some lower limb and upper limb defects we worked on are:

1. PARTIAL HAND AMPUTATION: a partial hand amputation is the surgical

removal of any portion of the carpals (wrist), metacarpals (palm), or phalanges

(fingers). During my time at the company, we dealt with two patients who had lost

fingers. We discussed the prosthetic devices' price as well as their anticipated

functionality during the consultation procedure. Due to the severity of one situation,

we provided the patient the choice of utilizing a passive prosthetic device to

improve his appearance, and we gave the patient who was missing just two fingers

9
 the choice of a body-powered device. After the consultation process we proceeded

to casting.

Figure 7: A passive prosthetic device

CASTING PROCESS FOR PARTIAL HAND AMPUTATION

Jars labeled for the two patients and filled with water served as the initial casting

components. To create the foundation for the casts, alginate powder was completely put

into the water. Vaseline was applied to the patients' hands to make removing them from

the cast simple. In order to get a correct mold, the patients were told to insert their severed

hands into the jars in a specific manner. After a while, they were told to take their hands

Figure 8: Casting process for partial hand amputees

10
off; the jars were then cut open, the mold was taken out, and it was left in the sun to harden.

The process is shown in figure 8.

2. LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY (LLD): LLD or anisomelia is defined as a

condition in which the paired lower extremity limbs leave a noticeably unequal

length. One way in correcting this deformity is by the use of insoles. Insoles are

shoe inserts usually made from foam. We had one patient with LLD who requested

two insoles, one of 4cm and one of 5cm to wear in his sneakers for different

occasions. An example of a patient with LLD is shown in figure 9.

Figure 9: A patient with LLD

3. Neuroma: it is a benign tumor of nerve tissue that is often associated with pain. We

had an amputee patient who developed a neuroma in his stump and was unable to

use the shuttle lock suspension system because his stump was extremely sensitive

and any slight pressure caused him pain. We had to use a belt suspension system to

keep his stump attached to the socket, as well as a lot of extra padding in the socket

to relieve some additional pressure.

11
3.2.1 TYPES OF SUSPENSION SYSTEM:

The two types of suspension system we worked with were belt suspension system and

shuttle lock suspension system.

- Shuttle lock suspension system: On the residual limb, a silicon or gel liner with a

pin at the bottom is used. When the limb is inserted into the socket, the pin must be

inserted into a locking mechanism located at the bottom of the socket. To unlock

the pin, a release mechanism must be pressed. This suspension method is a total

contact method, which means that the stump must make full contact with the socket

in order to be locked into the locking mechanism at the bottom.

Figure 10: An example of a shuttle lock suspension system

the stump and preventing it from falling off during the swing phase. It is

inexpensive, straightforward, and dependable. Belt suspension systems are

12
 typically used when other suspension systems fail or are ineffective.

Figure 11: Belt suspension system

3.3 PRODUCTION OF SOME PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS

Following the consultation process, the stump is measured, the patient is cast, and socket

is laminated and manufactured.

3.3.1 METHOD OF TAKING MEASUREMENT

There are some major lengths to consider when taking down measurements for a patient's

prosthetic device; they are all measured in cm:

• Ankle length on the normal limb

• Knee to floor length (K-F)

• Stump length

• Calf length (normal limb)

• Length of foot (normal limb)

• Circumference of the stump from the distal to the proximal end labelled 1-6

13
3.3.2 CASTING PROCESS OF LOWER LIMB AMPUTEE

After the measurement of the patients’ stump and normal limb, the next process is casting.

The materials used are POP bandage, cling film, Vaseline, gloves and water.

Vaseline is applied to the patient's leg to make it easier to remove the cast once it has

hardened. To form a negative cast, a POP bandage (4-5 folds) is immersed in water and

wrapped around the patient's body. The cast is left to set before being removed and dried

in the sun.

Figure 12: A picture of cast

3.3.3 LAMINATION OF SOCKET

Following the creation of the negative cast, the POP powder mixture is poured into the cast

to create the positive mold. Before setting, a mandrel is placed in the mold; after setting,

the mandrel is fastened to the bench vice in the vertical direction. PVA is applied to the

positive mold to separate the inner and outer laminates. The positive mold is layered with

materials. The layered materials are as follows:

• Two layers of stockinette

• A layer of fiberglass

• Socket adapter
14
 • Two layers of stockinette

• PVA

Cobalt and resin are combined; when ready to laminate, add catalyst to the mixture and

thoroughly mix. The entire mixture is poured in the PVA bag onto the layered materials

from top to bottom, and the mixture is worked into the layers to ensure that every layer is

properly soaked. To avoid adding extra weight to the socket, the excess mixture is drained.

The POP mold is manually removed from the socket after it has hardened and formed using

tools (hammer and chisel). After that, the socket is cleaned and stored.

3.3.4 PRODUCTION OF PELITE INSERT

To begin, estimate the length of the positive mold of the stump with a tape measure, adding

1cm at both ends.

- Take the circumference of the mold and add 1cm at the distal end and 1cm at the

proximal end;

- On the pelite material, the dimensions are cut out;

- The edges of the material are shaved using a skiving machine;

15
 - Adhesive is applied to both sides, which are then joined together and the material

is placed back on the mold to dry.

Figure 13: A picture of a pelite insert

Pelite inserts are generally used by patients that cannot afford liners or are not comfortable

with using liners. Pelite inserts are also used for patients that need extra padding in certain

points in their sockets to alleviate pressure and reduce the pain felt.

3.4 PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS AND ALIGNMENT

A standard above knee prosthetic is composed of the following components and are

assembled in the following order:

- Foot shell;

- Foot adapter;

- Pylon (tube);

- Tube clamp;

- Knee joint;

16
 - Suspension system;

- Socket adapter;

- Socket;

A below knee prosthetic device has most of the same components except for the absence

of a knee joint.

TYPES OF ALIGNMENT

The three types of alignment we did in the course of my training were bench alignment,

static alignment and dynamic alignment.

- Dynamic Alignment: All prosthetic components have a manufacturers

recommendation for where the alignment reference line should pass through. In the

workshop, bench alignment was performed with the components of the prosthetic

device. This is the type of alignment in which the socket is supported by a mandrel

on the bench vice and the components are assembled. Connecting the foot to the

foot adapter and the pylon, as well as adjusting the foot's outward rotation. then

connect the pylon to the knee joint with a tube adapter (tube clamp); connect the

socket and knee with an adapter.

- Static Alignment: At this point, you must ensure that the patient can stand and

balance on the prosthetic device. The patient puts on the prosthetic and is instructed

to stand; at this point, the height is taken, as well as any pain felt in the socket or

direction of the foot. 35% of the body weight should be loaded onto the prosthetic

side. Height adjustments are made, as well as padding in areas where pain is felt.

17
- Dynamic Alignment: The patient is instructed to try walking, and the prosthetist

performs gait analysis and gait training during this phase. The following factors are

considered, and necessary adjustments are made:

- Adduction position of the socket and medio-lateral positioning of the socket adapter

- Socket flexion position

- Rotation position of the knee joint axis and outward rotation of the prosthetic foot.

18
Figure 14: The different types of alignment

19
CONSULTATION PROCESS AND STEPS IN DISPENSING A PROSTHETIC DEVICE

During the three months of my training in Collaks prosthetics I was privileged to be part

of the consultation process and to interact with patients. There are many procedures to be

performed and many considerations to be made during the consultation process and

ultimately when dispensing a prosthetic device. Some considerations are:

- Cosmetic importance of the prostheses: the appearance or aesthetics of a prosthetic

limb is important to amputees and can influence their opinion or acceptance of the

prostheses.

- Expected function of the prostheses: patients must be informed of the capabilities

and restrictions of the prosthetic devices they are about to get as well as the results

of utilizing the prosthetic.

- Contour of the residual limb

- Cognitive function of the patient

- Vocational interest of the patient (hobbies)

- Financial resources of the patient: since prosthetics are highly expensive; it is

crucial to inform the patient of the costs of each prosthetic device and try to work

within their budgets while still providing the finest care.

TREATMENT PLAN

- Assessment;

- Negative cast taking;

- Rectification and molding;

- Checking measurements;

20
 - Checking socket after lamination;

- Fitting (bench alignment);

- Pre-trial phase;

- Pre-power phase;

- Trial fitting;

- Power and training phase.

3.5 ORTHOTIC DEVICES

The aim of orthotics is to increase the efficiency of function during acute or long-term

injury. This includes soft-tissue and boney injury, as well as changes as a result of

neurological changes. Some of the lower limb orthotic devices we worked on are:

1. Ankle foot orthoses (AFO): they are external biomechanical devices utilized on

lower limbs to stabilize the joints, improve gait and physical functioning of the

affected lower limb. The material we used in making AFO’s were thermoplastic

polymers. They are used as night splints to prevent contractures in some cases;

patients with stroke, and other neurological conditions such as SCI and children

with cerebral palsy.

2. Knee ankle foot orthoses (KAFO): they correct the alignment of the lower foot and

ankle, which translates to the alignment of the shin, upper leg and pelvis. Unlike

AFO the KAFO extends to the thigh for better knee control. They are used in

patients with polio, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury etc.

21
3.6 UPPER AND LOWER LIMB DEFORMITIES CORRECTED WITH ORTHOTICS

1. Scoliosis: scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often

diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. Scoliosis is often defined as the spinal

curvature in the “coronal” (frontal) plane. We had several patients come in with

scoliosis. Cobb’s angle and Adam’s test are very important in knowing the degree

of curvature of the patients’ spine.

The Adam’s test is performed by instructing the patient to bend forward or touch

their toes in order to detect the presence of scoliosis indicators (structural and

postural scoliosis). Cobb’s angle is determined by x-rays taken by doctors in a

hospital and is used to determine the degree of curvature of the patients’ spine. The

prosthetist inquiries about the patient's age and Cobbs angle. Patients aged 16 and

under who have a Cobbs angle of 10°, 15°, or 16° are advised to brace because the

curves are progressive and grow with age, not bracing can eventually cause

problems with the diaphragm. Patients of older age or with an angle of 45° and

above are also advised to brace but not to correct, but to help with the appearance

of the bend. After the consultation process, the patient is then casted using POP

bandage.

Figure 15: Picture of a

22
 Figure 17: Brace for a patient with Figure 16: Positive cast for a patient
scoliosis with scoliosis

2. Polio: it is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. The

virus spreads from person to person and can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing

paralysis. We had one patient come in with polio virus who requested for KAFO

devices so she can be mobile with the aid of crutches, the muscles in one of her legs

was extremely weak and could not support her movement in any way. The KAFO

device given to her is in figure 18 below.

Figure 18: KAFO for a patient with scoliosis

23
PROCESS OF KAFO PRODUCTION

After casting the patient and the positive mold has been created, propylene plastic is

measured and cut according to mold dimensions, then placed on a Teflon sheet and heated

in the oven. After heating the plastic, transfer paper is placed on it to transfer the design to

it. The plastic is then placed on the mold and shaped before being allowed to set. The plastic

is then cut, and a drill is used to make holes for rivets to fasten the bands and belts to the

braces. The processes and materials used in making orthosis is similar to those used in

making a prosthesis, the only notable difference is in the modification of the positive model

before lamination. Before lamination, modifications are made to the positive anatomical

model to optimize joint position, correct deformities, and evaluate and adjust the orthosis.

It is also used to improve pressure distribution by adding or removing materials to relieve

bony prominences and tender areas while increasing pressure to more tolerant areas like

soft tissue and broad expanses of bone or tendon.

3.7 MACHINES AND TOOLS USED IN PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

The machines and tools we made use of in the prosthetic and orthotic workshop are as

follows:

24
1. Drilling machine: this machine is used to bore holes in orthotic devices to fasten

bands and belts using rivets.

Figure 19: A drilling machine

2. Eyelet punch: it is a tool used to create holes on the leather bands on orthotic and

prosthetic devices.

Figure 20: Picture of an

3. Hacksaw: this tool was used in cutting thermoplastic and also the pylon in lower

limb prosthetic devices.

25
 Figure 21:Hacksaw

4. Circular saw: it was used in cutting sockets or creating space in them.

Figure 22: Picture of circular saw

5. Bench vice: the bench vice is used to hold a workpiece in place, it is usually

attached to the work bench. It holds up the work piece for molding, rectification

and adjustment.

Figure 23: A bench vice

26
6. Heat gun: it is used in making soft liner for prosthetic devices

Figure 24: Heat gun

7. Allen keys: this is a small tool that is used in turning bolts and screws which have

a hexagonal head, this tool was used during the alignment of lower limb prosthetic

devices.

Figure 25:An Allen key

27
3.8 THEORETICAL ASPECT OF WORK

1. SOCKETS AND TYPES:

Because the prosthetic socket serves as the primary and critical interface between the

amputee's residual limb and the rest of the prosthesis, a good, comfortable fit is

required to ensure a positive outcome in an amputee's rehabilitation. The socket must

be properly installed, have adequate load transmission, and ensure stability and

control. Many amputees stop wearing their prosthesis, and one of the main reasons is

socket-related issues (poor fit, poor biomechanics, and reduced control). Making a

socket begins with taking measurements and creating a negative cast of the residual

limb. Plaster is poured into the cast to create a positive mold. The positive mold is then

modified to improve socket fit, a process known as "rectification". The socket is then

laminated with carbon and resin to create the custom socket, also known as the

definitive socket.

Because the socket is the interface between the device and the residual limb, the quality

of the socket design, regardless of the model used, is critical and determines the user's

comfort and ability to control the appliance.

ISCHIAL RAMAL CONTAINMENT SOCKET:

Weight bearing occurs all over the surface of the stump rather than at a single point,

resulting in greater comfort, better control over the prosthesis, and security for the

user. Direct, complete, and permanent weight bearing has no effect on the ischial

tuberosity. Apart from the fact that this design is unique, the medial wall/border of the

28
socket containing the ischial ramus is used to determine the exact volume. Negative

pressure (suction) generated by properly fitting the socket over the stump provides

suspension. This socket is wider anterio-posteriorly and narrower medio-laterally; it

is the best to use but the most difficult to make.

QUADILATERAL SOCKET:

Weight bearing occurs at the ischial tuberosity via ischial support at the posterior shelf

of the socket. Suspension is provided by negative pressure (suction) created by

properly fitting the socket over the stump. Belts can be used to supplement suction

suspension in some cases (Silesian, Neopren, etc.). The socket is wider medio-laterally

and narrower anterio-posteriorly.

K-LEVELS OF AMPUTEES

K levels are a rating system used by Medicare to indicate a persons’ rehabilitation

potential:

• K1: amputees of 70+ years

• K2: movement in low level environment barriers

• K3: children and active people

• K4: athletes and very active people

29
Some of the components of the prosthetics are also characterized according to k -levels,

for example there are specific knee joints for k1 patients.

LINERS:

The prosthetic liner acts as an interface that goes between a persons’ skin and his or

her prosthetic device. The two major types of liners we used were gel and silicone

liners.

30
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD

The following are the challenges I encountered during my SIWES training:

• Securing a place for my industrial training was really hard and tedious as most

organizations rejected my applications, some have not responded to my emails till

date, it took me some time to find a place for my IT.

4.2 RECOMMENDATION

• The scheme should make it compulsory for students to get IT placements in

companies’ relevant to their field of study so as to maximize their experiences and

get required knowledge.

• Schools should look into working together with several organizations to secure IT

placements for students to reduce the amount of time lost searching for placement.

• The students should be given adequate training and knowledge prior to going on

their industrial training so they understand the concept of SIWES and its

importance.

4.3 CONCLUSION

In conclusion to the three months of industrial training, I can attest that the Student

Industrial Work Experience Scheme is an extremely valuable program for all students. This

training was educative and challenging, it exposed me to skills that a biomedical engineer

must use and apply in the field of prosthetics. I had the opportunity to learn about patient

management, work ethics, and time management. I'd also like to thank Collaks Prosthetics

for their encouragement and support throughout the internship.

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2. Aspire Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc. (2014, October). Partial hand amputation.

Retrieved from aspirepo.com: https://aspirepo.com/services/prosthetics/partial-

hand-amputation/

3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 11). What is polio?

Retrieved from www.cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/polio/what-is-polio/index.htm

4. Nigerian Finder. (n.d.). History of SIWES. Retrieved from Nigerian Finder:

https://nigeriafinder.com/history-of-siwes/

5. Orthobullet. (2021, June 14). Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency- Pediatrics.

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focal-deficiency

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7. Physiopedia contributors. (2021, June 12). Lower Limb Prosthetic Sockets and

Suspension Systems. Retrieved from Physiopedia: https://www.physio-

pedia.com/Lower_Limb_Prosthetic_Sockets_and_Suspension_Systems

8. Physiopedia. (2022, August 3). Prosthetic knees. Retrieved from Physiopedia:

https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Prosthetic_Knees&oldid=313025.

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