British scientists have developed technology that allows prosthetic limbs to be directly attached to a person’s bones. This breakthrough will enable artificial limbs to penetrate the skin without causing infection.
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| Metal rod passing through skin (Image: BBC) |
Researchers at University College London reported that the initial clinical trials have yielded “very promising” results.
The technique, known as Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP), involves securing a titanium rod directly into the bone. This metal rod is implanted through the skin, allowing prosthetic limbs to be directly attached to it.
Currently, prosthetic limbs are typically fixed or strapped to the stump of the patient.
In this new technique, the risk of infection (from bacteria from external prosthetics traveling through the metal rod to the bone) is mitigated as the skin tissue adheres around the metal rod to form a sealing wound.
This work paves the way for prosthetic limbs to be controlled by the central nervous system.
The new technique was inspired by the phenomenon of antlers growing through the skin of animals without causing infection.
T. An
