A new bionic knee that directly attaches to the thigh bone and uses implanted electrodes can significantly improve movement capabilities and feeling of ownership for people with above-the-knee amputations. The device, described in a recent study, connects to a user’s leg via a titanium rod attached to their femur and permanently implanted electrodes in their leg muscles.
This breakthrough prosthesis overcomes the limitations of traditional prosthetic legs by integrating directly with muscle and bones, allowing for better stability and load bearing. By reconnecting pairs of muscles that stretch and contract in opposition, surgeons can facilitate communication between these muscles, making it easier to control a prosthesis.
In the study, two people who received both the muscle-connecting procedure and the bone-integrated implant performed significantly better than those who received only the muscle surgery or traditional prostheses. They also showed greater increases in their sense of ownership and agency over the prosthetic limb.
The device is not yet commercially available but may be approved by the FDA within five years, according to its developer, Hugh Herr. This tissue-integrated approach aims to redefine what it means for a prosthesis to be an integral part of self, rather than just a tool.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/new-bionic-knee-connects-directly-with-muscles-and-bone-to-feel-more-like-the-users-body