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The Limbs of Freedom clinic was constructed in Ensenada, Mexico. This project has been ongoing for nearly 20 years and has grown substantially over the years. We have historically provided 6-8 new limbs at each clinic, with 3-4 clinics each year. Recently, we have started to provide limbs by 3-D printing and have increased our new prosthetic output to 10-12 limbs per clinic. In addition to providing new limbs to new patients, we also service our growing number of patients from prior clinics who return for revisions and repairs. We also evaluate 10 or more patients each clinic who are evaluated, measurements taken, etc who will then become the patients receiving a limb at the next clinic. Our total list of patients for each clinic involves a combination of the above (new patients and old patients requiring attention) and will be approximately 30-40 patients or more when we return in July 2023.
Our team of volunteers leaves San Diego at 6am on Friday; we arrive at Ensenada at 8 am and over the next 2-3 days and the work is completed with us returning late on Sunday afternoon/evening. The labor is entirely provided by volunteers (Rotarians and non-Rotarians). Our budget (90%) is largely spent on materials used in fabricating the prosthetics. The Rotarians in Mexico typically provide meals other items needed, as well as procuring last minute supplies that we need to keep the clinic fully operational.
The Rotary Club of Coronado(specifically the Limbs of Freedom Committee) is partnering with LIMBER Prosthetics and Orthotics to provide innovative prosthetic care for our limb recipients in Ensenada, Mexico. LIMBER Prosthetics and Orthotics combines the latest in 3D scanning, digital design, and additive manufacturing technologies to develop affordable and personalized prosthetic limbs. In the past they have been able to manufacture below-knee prosthetic limbs. This year they will start printing above the knee adaptation.
We leverage LiDAR and structured light scanning embedded in smart phones to create a "digital twin" of the patient. Using digital design, the scan is transformed into a personalized device that can be 3D printed. This unique approach enables us to print the entire prosthesis in a single piece, while retaining multi-axial dynamic gait performance through our design. Our single-piece design, the LIMBER Uni-Leg is the key to unlocking the benefits of digital design and 3D printing because alignment and functionality is transferred from scan data through to the printed product.
Our goal this year is to increase the patients receiving these LIMBER Uni-Legs by 25 to 30%, because at each clinic there has been an increased need for the prosthetics. In addition, the advances in our technology will allow us to provide above knee prosthetics.
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