New Device Could Revolutionize Prosthetic Limbs

We could be one step closer to seeing real-life cyborgs walking among us. Sound like science fiction? Well, “cyborgs” might be a little dramatic, but “bionic” wouldn’t be exaggerating. A new implant that integrates into the user’s bone and nerves could be the next step in human prosthetics.

Current Prosthetic Equipment

A limb prosthesis replaces some of the functions of a lost or missing arm or leg. Obviously, prosthetic use can be a game-changer. They can do the obvious, like allow a person to walk again, but there are subtle benefits to using a prosthetic divide that non-users might be unaware of such as reducing the occurrence of phantom limb pain in some cases or lessening public curiosity. Still, current devices have their limitations.

The Challenges of Current Prosthetics

Most prosthetics don’t foster natural movement, and this can lead to poor posture, altered gait and muscle strains—this means added pain for the user and possible long-term challenges due to injury or irritation. Some people experience tissue damage from the stress or weight of the device itself, while others go on to develop arthritis or problems in the shoulder or back. In fact, about 50% to 80% of lower-limb prosthetic wearers develop chronic back pain.

And of course, these devices aren't without their limitations. They don't actually replace the limb so much as they attempt to allow for the main uses of that limb in some now-different sense. Current prostheses don’t send users the signals they need to feel what they’re doing. Many people underestimate just how much of a loss that can be.

New Prosthetic Limb Developments

The New England Journal of Medicine recently published research on an experimental prosthetic arm that’s like nothing outside of science fiction. The device is implanted into the bone using a titanium screw that becomes integrated into the tissue. Even more remarkably, its unique technology connects the device to sensory nerves, allowing users to regain a sense of touch current prosthetics can’t offer—that’s right, these devices can transmit sensation to the brain. The limb itself is also motorized and designed to imitate natural movements in response to the user’s own nerve impulses. This means a person can think about moving their arm, and it will move.

The study featured four men between 44 and 46 years old, each of whom had lost an arm due to illness or injury. The researchers followed their progress with the devices for 3 to 7 years and concluded with reports of significant improvement in overall function. One patient was able to regain full-time employment, go skiing, ride a snowmobile and take on ice fishing as the result of his implanted prosthetic. Another was able to resume repairing cars. Two had complained of phantom pain before the experiment, and both reported that pain alleviated with the new prosthetic use. Overall, the users found the devices easy to use (after a 5-month acclimation period) and helpful in restoring their regular functioning.

These advances could open the door to a whole new era in prosthetic limb technology. Bionics may no longer belong solely in the realm of fiction, and this is likely only the beginning. As they stand, the new prosthetic limbs might not make a person any stronger or faster, but they have an even greater power: They have the potential to help rebuild lives. We’ll have more on this exciting advancement as more news becomes available.

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