The BBC reports on a British breakthrough in the development of more effective artificial limbs. Given terrorist acts, war, disease and accidents, there is a growing understanding of this neglected field.
UK scientists have developed technology that enables artificial limbs to be directly attached to a human skeleton.
The breakthrough, developed by researchers at University College London, allows the prosthesis to breach the skin without risk of infection.
The team says early clinical trials have been “very promising”.
It hopes the work – which is to be published in the Journal of Anatomy – may help survivors of the 7 July bombings, as well as other amputees.
The work paves the way for bionic limbs which are controlled by the central nervous system.
The technique is called “Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP),(which) involves securing a titanium rod directly into the bone.”
