Innovative Bionic Knee Enhances Mobility for Amputees

Recent advancements in prosthetic technology have led to the development of a new bionic knee that significantly improves mobility for amputees, enabling them to walk faster, navigate stairs more easily, and effectively avoid obstacles. This groundbreaking research has been published in the journal Science.

The innovative prosthesis integrates directly with the amputee's muscle and bone tissue, providing enhanced stability and greater control over movement. Participants in the study reported that the bionic limb felt more like a natural extension of their body.

According to senior researchers, this tissue-integrated prosthesis goes beyond traditional designs, which typically involve a socket that accommodates the residual limb. Instead, the new bionic knee extends into the residual limb, creating a more cohesive system that aligns with human physiology. This integration allows for a more personalized experience for amputees, positioning the prosthetic as an integral part of the user rather than a separate tool.

To achieve this integration, medical professionals implant a titanium rod into the remaining femur at the amputation site. This method allows for improved mechanical control and load-bearing capabilities compared to conventional artificial legs.

"This approach directly loads the skeleton, which is the part of the body that is designed to bear weight, rather than relying on sockets that can be uncomfortable and lead to skin infections," explained a lead researcher. The bionic knee is equipped with wires and electrodes that gather data from the muscles in the residual limb. This information is processed by a robotic controller that calculates the necessary torque to move the prosthetic in accordance with the user's intentions.

In a clinical trial, two individuals received the bionic prosthesis, termed the osseointegrated mechanoneural prosthesis (OMP). They, along with 15 other amputees who tested a powered knee prosthesis developed by MIT, showed significant improvements in mobility. The individuals with the OMP demonstrated enhanced capabilities in walking, bending their knees to specific angles, climbing stairs, and stepping over obstacles. Notably, they also reported feeling that the prosthetic leg was more integrated into their body.

The researchers emphasized that despite advancements in artificial intelligence for robotic prosthetics, traditional designs often feel like external devices. However, with this new tissue-integrated approach, users are more likely to identify the prosthesis as part of themselves.

Looking ahead, larger clinical trials will be necessary for the OMP system to obtain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a process that could take approximately five years.

For further details, refer to the original study published in Science.