Chathubhashini Heenatigala
2012/08/29
Post 3


                                                         

                                                               

We got a chance to visit a place where the oldest charitable organization in the country is going on.

It is Colombo Friend in need, Established in 1831. Its main function is to manufacture artificial limbs for

amputees. This organization helps patients with polio, congenital deformities and various injuries,

·         To correct the deformities

·         To control involuntary movements

·         To prevent further deformities

·         As a support to body weight

They get funds from social service ministry, NGOs, Rotaract club, Lion’s club, BOC and donors.

Colombo friends in need get referrals from MO of hospitals, NGOs, Grama Niladhari.

Services they are providing to the society

·         Artificial limbs [prosthetics] and orthotics are manufactured.

·         Stump conversions [out of there types of stumps conical stumps most suitable to fit a prosthesis]

·         Give exercises and physiotherapy for the patients for stump conversion.

·         Gait training

·         Hostel facilities are given for patients who have travel from faraway places.

·         Pension scheme for disabled people.

·         Aidex annual sport meets.

·         Mobile bus limb fitting work shop

Artificial devices product by Friends in need Colombo

Orthotics

Lower limbs

1.  Long leg caliper

2. Short leg caliper

3. Ankle foot orthosis

4. Knee brace

5. Aluminum back splint

Trunk

6.   Scoliosis brace

7.   Spinal brace/ Boston brace

Hand

8.   Cockup splint

9.   Mallet splint

10.   Radial nerve splint

11.   Cervical collar for neck

Prosthetics

Lower limbs

 1. Hip disarticulation prosthesis

2. Trans femoral prosthesis- above knee amputation
3. Through knee prosthesis
4. Trans tibial prosthesis- below knee amputation
5. Ankle disarticulation- Symes prosthesis
6. Mid foot prosthesis

Upper limbs

1. Through shoulder artificial hand
2. Above elbow artificial hand
3. Below elbow artificial hand
4. Cosmetic hand for below elbow