Bionic limb breakthrough - new research offers hope to amputees
05/07/2006
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
UK scientists have developed technology that enables artificial limbs to be directly attached to a human skeleton.
The breakthrough, developed by researchers at University College London, allows the prosthesis to breach the skin without risk of infection.
The team say that early clinical trials on a small group of patients who had lost fingers or thumbs have been very promising.
The next step will be to carry out trials on upper and lower limb replacements.
They hope that the research, which will be published in the Journal of Anatomy will help survivors of the July 7 bombings, as well as other amputees.
The work paves the way for bionic limbs which are controlled by the central nervous system (CNS).
The technique, called Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP), involves securing a titanium rod directly into the bone.
The metal implant passes through the skin and the artificial limb can be directly attached to it. The tissue attaches in with long fibres - acting like anchors.
Currently, artificial limbs are fixed or strapped to an amputee's stump.
The new structure allows the dermal tissues to attach into the metal under the skin - like an anchor.
This minimises risk of infection - caused by bacteria passing from the external limb through the rod to the bone, because the skin tissue meshes around the rod to form a seal.
The research was welcomed by the Limbless Association, who said that the new technique would stop uncomfortable rubbing and pressure sores associated with prosthetic limbs currently used.
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