Bionic hand implant enables full finger control

Bionic hand implant enables full finger control

Revolutionary Bionic Hand Offers New Hope for Amputees

Bionic Hand

A multinational team of engineers and surgeons has made a groundbreaking breakthrough in the field of prosthetics with the development of a bionic hand that offers a high level of function in every finger. This innovation brings new hope to amputees worldwide, providing them with enhanced control and mobility. The collaborative effort from experts in the United States, Sweden, Australia, and Italy has resulted in a revolutionary approach that utilizes limb reconfiguration, nerve dissection, and sensory integration.

Traditionally, prosthetic limbs have been challenging to control and often restrict movement. However, by strategically redistributing peripheral nerves to new muscle targets, the bionic hand can access a wealth of information, enabling the user to command various robotic joints effortlessly. This innovative rewiring of nerves not only demonstrates its feasibility but also improves the overall control of prosthetics. Max Ortiz Catalan, founding director of the Center for Bionics and Pain Research (CBPR), and professor of bionics at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, explains, “We show that rewiring nerves to different muscle targets in a distributed and concurrent manner is not only possible but also conducive to improved prosthetic control. A key feature of our work is that we have the possibility to clinically implement more refined surgical procedures and embed sensors in the neuromuscular constructs at the time of surgery, which we then connect to the electronic system of the prosthesis via an osseointegrated interface. A.I. algorithms take care of the rest.”

Previously, prosthetic control relied heavily on the remaining muscles in the residual limb, which generated electrical activity to operate the hand. However, for amputations above the elbow, there are limited muscles available for this purpose. In such cases, a socket attachment compressed the remaining limb, causing discomfort and mechanical instability. The adoption of a titanium skeletal implant provides a superior alternative, allowing for a more secure and efficient connection between the prosthesis and the body. This remarkable innovation lays the foundation for improved comfort, control, and overall functionality for individuals with upper-limb amputations.

The recent success of the bionic hand is underscored by the personal experience of a patient who was able to control every finger of the prosthetic limb as if it were their own. Dr. Rickard Brånemark, research affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and associate professor at Gothenburg University, Sweden, expresses his satisfaction, stating, “It is rewarding to see that our cutting-edge surgical and engineering innovation can provide such a high level of functionality for an individual with an arm amputation.” The surgical procedure, performed by Dr. Paolo Sassu, who previously led the first hand transplant in Scandinavia, took place at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. Dr. Sassu, now at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli in Italy, adds, “The incredible journey we have undertaken together with the bionic engineers at CBPR has allowed us to combine new microsurgical techniques with sophisticated implanted electrodes that provide single-finger control of a prosthetic arm as well as sensory feedback. Patients who have suffered from an arm amputation might now see a brighter future.”

The exceptional achievements of this multinational team have been published in the esteemed journal Science Translational Medicine on July 12, 2023. This groundbreaking development has sparked optimism and excitement within the field of prosthetics, promising hope for amputees and paving the way for further advancements in bionic technology.

The Impact of Prosthetics and the Journey towards Enhanced Functionality

Prosthetic limbs have long been instrumental in helping individuals with amputations regain their independence and mobility. However, their limitations in terms of control and movement have remained a challenge. The revolutionary bionic hand represents a significant milestone in addressing these limitations and improving the overall functionality of prosthetic limbs.

Traditional approaches to prosthetic control relied on the contraction of muscles within the residual limb to generate electrical activity, enabling the prosthesis to mimic natural movements. However, the availability of viable muscles varies depending on the level of amputation. When amputations occur above the elbow, for instance, there are fewer muscles available for generating electrical signals.

To overcome these challenges, the multinational team of engineers and surgeons proposed a novel solution. By reconfiguring what remains of the patient’s limb and redistributing peripheral nerves to new muscle targets, they were able to enhance the control and functionality of the bionic hand. This groundbreaking approach allows amputees to access a wider range of information, enabling them to effortlessly command multiple robotic joints.

The success of this rewiring technique serves as a testament to the possibilities for improved prosthetic control. Max Ortiz Catalan, director of the Center for Bionics and Pain Research, emphasizes the potential for refined surgical procedures and the integration of sensors at the time of surgery. These advancements, combined with artificial intelligence algorithms, offer promising avenues for enhancing the functionality of prosthetic limbs.

Embracing Innovation: From Socket Attachments to Skeletal Implants

Traditionally, prosthetic limbs have been attached using socket attachments that compress the residual limb. While this approach can provide a certain level of stability, it often leads to discomfort and limitations in mobility. The introduction of titanium skeletal implants represents a groundbreaking leap in prosthetic attachment techniques.

The use of skeletal implants offers numerous advantages over socket attachments. The study conducted by the multinational team highlights the possibility of a more secure, comfortable, and mechanically efficient connection between the prosthesis and the body. This enhanced connection greatly improves the overall functionality and control of the prosthetic limb, providing users with a more natural and comfortable experience.

Titanium implants within the residual bone not only offer a superior connection but also provide long-term stability. The remarkable success achieved in the integration of skeletal implants with the bionic hand demonstrates the transformative impact of embracing innovative techniques and materials in the field of prosthetics.

A New Era of Possibilities for Amputees

The extraordinary achievements of the multinational team of engineers and surgeons have opened up new possibilities for individuals with upper-limb amputations. The ability to control each finger of the bionic hand as if it were one’s own represents a significant step forward in replicating natural dexterity and functionality.

Dr. Rickard Brånemark, a researcher and associate professor, expresses his delight at the outcomes of their surgical and engineering innovations. This groundbreaking development has the potential to revolutionize the lives of those who have undergone arm amputations, providing them with a much brighter future. The collaborative efforts of experts spanning several countries highlight the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in pushing the boundaries of medical advancements.

The successful surgical procedure, performed by Dr. Paolo Sassu, showcases the fruitful collaboration between medical professionals and bionic engineers. Through the combination of cutting-edge microsurgical techniques and state-of-the-art implanted electrodes, patients can benefit from single-finger control and sensory feedback in their prosthetic arms.

The recent achievements published in Science Translational Medicine mark a significant milestone in the field of prosthetics. This groundbreaking development enhances control, comfort, and functionality for individuals with upper-limb amputations. By embracing innovative advancements, the future of prosthetics promises to deliver improved mobility, independence, and a brighter outlook for individuals living with limb loss.

Sources