A prosthesis, but almost like a living one

A Mexican researcher has developed a prosthesis that connects directly to tissues

Alexander Balalin, Hi-News, based on Investigación y Desarrollo: First prosthesis in the world with direct connection to bone, nerves and muscles

Mexican scientist Max Ortiz Catalan (Max Ortiz Catalan, pictured) has developed the world's first prosthesis that connects directly to the tissues of the body: bone, muscle, nervous. The study was conducted at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg (Sweden) in collaboration with the Salgren Hospital.

The device created by the scientist becomes an extension of the human body, since osseointegration is used for its attachment, one of the types of implantation in which direct contact and functional connection between the implant and bone tissue occurs. Previously, osseointegration was mainly used only in dentistry.

The main condition for implantation is the use of inert materials for the manufacture of prosthetic parts that are unable to cause immunological reactions. The developed device is attached to the bone using titanium implants; a system of electrodes connecting directly to muscles and nerves allows transmitting a stable signal. Thanks to the reliable union between the body and the machine, the user can perform the smallest, precise movements.

Magnus Niska, a resident of Haparanda in northern Sweden, became the first person in the world to receive this prosthesis. The operation to implant the device was performed on him in January 2013. According to the patient, whose right arm was previously amputated above the elbow, the new technology has returned him to a full-fledged lifestyle, working capacity. He is currently working as a machine operator.

Thanks to the design of the robotic arm, Magnus can not only control the prosthesis with the help of thought, but also receive tactile sensations. He says he feels like a man who has won a million on a lottery ticket.

About four hundred people have already received a titanium implant, but only ten of them will have an electrode system implanted this year. Max Ortiz stated that the technology of osseointegration does not cause problems associated with the appearance of inflammatory reactions, irritation or feelings of discomfort, while it significantly improves the quality of life.

Titanium implant surgeries are currently being performed in the United States of America, European countries, Australia and Chile, but the author of the development hopes that the method he proposed will become the gold standard for providing medical care to patients with limb amputations.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru 22.03.2016