Two sizes of the device developed for children. Photograph courtesy of Nonspec.
The International Association of Plastics Distribution (IAPD) announced that Nonspec, a start-up prosthetic design company from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, won first place in the IAPD Plastics Application Design Competition for a telescoping prosthetic arm for children that can expand as the child grows. The device is aimed at children with amputations in developing countries. The low-cost prototype was made from polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and nylon rods.
According to Johnathan Perez de Alderete from Nonspec, the group is focusing on patenting the device and preparing to run tests in accordance with FDA registration for a class I medical device. They hope to have the initial prototypes ready for testing in early 2014, contingent upon funding. One of the first target locations for the device is Haiti.
One of three finalists, Nonspec was chosen as the winner of the competition on October 2, during IAPD’s annual convention in Miami, Florida.
