Completely implanted endoprosthetic limb: muscle-controlled prosthesis anchored in residual bone

The problem

Limb amputation causes severe, extensive sensorimotor impairment. An externally worn limb prosthesis is the standard means to restore part of the missing limb’s function. Unfortunately, according to recent surveys of amputees, limb prostheses still do not move or feel like the biological intact limb. Consequently, as many as 45% and 35% of users of body-powered and motorized prostheses, respectively, eventually abandon their prosthesis.

The solution

Researchers at The University of Tennessee have developed a fully implanted prosthetic limb that is inserted into the residual bone, which contains one or more joints to allow movement, and has attachment points for tendons to allow for muscle-control of the prosthesis. This device is completely enclosed within the skin and could restore more natural control and sensation of movement than advanced external prostheses. It would alleviate many of the functional and comfort-related drawbacks leading to prosthesis abandonment.

Benefits

• Promising in vivo data with both jointed and non-jointed devices.
• Muscle-controlled prosthesis requires no reliance on external power supplies or batteries.
• Potential increase in the restoration of sensorimotor function compared to external prosthesis.
• Endoprosthesis permits realistic anatomy reconstruction.
• Can be utilized in a variety of locations, including the thumb, finger, and ankle.

Patent status

Patent Pending