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We would like to thank everyone for their kind comments, ratings, and votes. A video demonstration of this process has been produced and uploaded to YouTube. In addition, the Technical Note previously submitted to the Prosthetics and Orthotics International Journal has been accepted for publication in the near future. If you would like to know more please feel free to contact us.

In resource-limited areas worldwide, individuals with amputations may not be able to gain access to prosthetics devices due to a lack of the materials needed to fabricate them. This simple technique utilizes a 2-liter soda bottle to create below-the-elbow prosthesis suitable for a number of light-duty activities.

Please note well that this technique is intended for use by trained prosthetists and it is intended to be preformed only using a plaster cast of the residual limb.

The contents of this presentation/publication were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research grant number H133E030017. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Materials:
- 2-liter plastic soda bottle
- heat gun
- formed plaster model of residual limb (amputation stump)
- hose clamp
- section of 1/2" PVC pipe
- band or manual saw
- utility knife

Step 1:

1. Remove the bottom of the bottle and place over the plaster model. Then apply heat to the lower portion to form the trimline.

Step 2:

2. Heat the bottle until it conforms to the shape of the plaster model. This process takes about 15 minutes. Ensure that the bottle has fully conformed to the shape of the plaster model.

Step 3:

3. Mark and cut the trimline.

Step 4:

4. Make a cut through the threaded portion of the bottle.

Step 5:

5. Insert a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe with a terminal device, and secure with a hose clamp.

Step 6:

6. This "light-duty" prosthesis allows for static loading of at least 4 kgs while on the plaster model.

Multiple sockets can be quickly, easily, and inexpensively created and combined with various terminal devices for functional light-duty activities such as feeding, showering, drawing, or cosmesis.