Articles tagged with Amputation
Researchers create custom-fit prosthetic hands with soft magnetic sensors that capture subtle changes in muscle shape and pressure. The system performs consistently and reliably, translating intent into control of a dexterous robotic hand with up to 90% accuracy.
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.
A longitudinal study of 156 Ukrainian amputees found that most experience steady improvements in pain, anxiety, and depression over time. The study revealed distinct patterns of post-amputation pain, with phantom limb pain linked to psychological distress and residual limb pain linked to depression.
Shadrack Byfield's autobiography offers insight into the suffering and resilience of Britain's homecoming soldiers. The new evidence shows Byfield's tenacious pursuit of veterans' benefits, struggles with pain, poverty, and police, and his determination to design a custom prosthesis after losing his arm.
The study found that men, Black patients, and those living in low socioeconomic areas were disproportionately affected by the increased amputation rates. The authors emphasize the need for aggressive prevention, early diagnosis, and intensive risk factor management to address the growing burden of diabetes and PAD.
A new study led by Northwestern Medicine found that botulinum toxin injections provided significant short-term relief for phantom limb pain, with an average reduction of four points on a 10-point scale. The treatment, which targets painful nerve endings around neuromas, showed promise as a potential tool to alleviate post-amputation pain.
Researchers found that brain maps of the hand and lips remained consistent even after amputation, contradicting previous views of reorganization. This study has implications for treating phantom limb pain and controlling robotic replacement limbs via neural interfaces.
Researchers found that brain activity in regions responsible for managing specific body parts remains consistent before and after arm amputation. The study's results suggest that standard phantom pain treatments may need to be rethought and could improve the development of neuroprosthetics and brain-computer interface technologies.
In a small clinical study, users of this prosthesis navigated more easily and said the limb felt more like part of their body. The new system is directly integrated with the user’s muscle and bone tissue, enabling greater stability and control.
Researchers found that after accounting for known differences, implicit bias in physician and hospital levels persists among Black, Hispanic, and Native American people with vascular disease. The AI model helps identify unconscious biases in clinical decisions.
Researchers developed a new approach to identify healed diabetic foot ulcers at risk of reopening based on trans-epidermal water loss measurements. High TEWL values were linked to increased wound recurrence and shorter time to recurrence, suggesting functional skin barrier defects are a critical factor in wound healing.
A new material called Roliner enables amputees to change the shape, volume, and stiffness of their prosthetic limbs' liners in real-time using their smartphone. This technology promises to revolutionize the fit of prosthetic limbs, transforming the lives of millions of amputees worldwide.
A new treatment for post-amputation pain may have reduced residual limb pain and opioid dependence, according to a Northwestern Medicine study. Hydrodissection, a simple procedure that injects fluid around nerves, showed significant improvements in pain relief and mental health benefits.
A new University of Oklahoma study found that diabetes-linked amputations are rising in Oklahoma, with the statewide rate nearly doubling between 2008 and 2019. The study analyzed over 1.3 million anonymized discharge records and found that rates were highest among males, American Indians, and those with poor health insurance coverage.
Persistent microvascular over-dilation may cause muscle hypoxia, worsening chronic limb-threatening ischemia outcomes. Research suggests this phenomenon could be used to screen and treat patients with the disease.
IIT's Omnia prosthetic won the 'Leg Prosthesis' category at Cybathlon 2024, showcasing a novel lower limb prosthetic prototype designed for individuals with transfemoral amputations. The system features a knee and ankle that exchange information to adjust parameters for optimal performance.
A new study led by Dr. Andrew Gonzalez will analyze Indiana Network for Patient Care data to investigate racial disparities in vascular care and peripheral arterial disease. The research aims to identify upstream drivers of these disparities and develop interventions to address them.
A study published in Circulation found that adults aged 50-54 with severely narrowed leg arteries had a higher risk of amputation after emergency surgery than those aged 80-84. This contradicts the traditional belief that older people are at increased risk.
A new graphene-based material, EGNITE, enhances the performance of neuroprostheses by improving electrode size and selectivity. In animal models, EGNITE showed improved muscle activation and biocompatibility, paving the way for potential clinical translation.
A new surgical procedure reconnects muscles in the residual limb, allowing patients to receive proprioceptive feedback about their prosthetic limb's position. Seven patients who underwent this surgery were able to walk faster, avoid obstacles, and climb stairs more naturally than those with traditional amputations.
Researchers use light instead of electricity to stimulate muscle contraction, achieving more precise control and reduced fatigue in a study using mice. The optogenetic method could have broad clinical utility for people with paralysis or amputation.
The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.
Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.
Researchers have developed a pressure-alternating shoe insole that provides periods of rest to the soft tissues, thereby reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. This innovative technology aims to mitigate the risk of complications from poor circulation and foot sores.
Researchers found that revascularization treatment significantly improves the quality of life for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease. The study revealed diminished quality of life among these patients, but revascularization restored sufficient blood flow and improved wellbeing.
A new study reveals concerning regional disparities in lower limb amputations caused by peripheral arterial disease, with the North of England experiencing the highest rates. The study highlights the urgent need to improve care and prevention strategies, particularly for people with diabetes.
A team of international scientists has developed an effective treatment for preventing infection in chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics. The new method involves the plasma activation of hydrogel dressings, producing a unique mix of chemical oxidants that are effective in decontaminating and aiding healing.
A temperature-sensitive prosthetic limb has been developed to improve amputee interactions and feelings of human connection. Researchers have created a device called MiniTouch that provides realistic and real-time thermal feedback, enabling amputees to discriminate between objects of different temperatures and materials.
Researchers developed a device that allows amputees to sense and respond to temperature, improving dexterity and feelings of human connection. The 'MiniTouch' device enables active thermosensation during tasks requiring feedback between sensory and motor neurons.
Targeted muscle reinnervation performed at the time of amputation reduced pain scores and prevented complications related to abnormal nerve regrowth. The procedure also lowered neuroma risk, particularly in patients undergoing acute TMR.
Scientists have identified a population of progenitor cells that strongly promote new blood vessel growth in ischemic limbs, showing promise as a treatment for preventing amputations. The discovery was made through single-cell transcriptomics and confirmed in mice with limb ischemia, where the treatment rescued limbs from amputation.
Researchers have developed a spinal cord stimulation technology that restores sensation, improves function, and reduces phantom limb pain after trans-tibial amputation. The study showed significant improvements in balance control and gait stability, with an average 70% reduction in phantom limb pain.
Researchers argue that the brain does not create new functions in previously unrelated areas but instead utilizes existing latent capacities. They provide alternative explanations for observed changes in brain activity following injury or deficit.
Researchers from NUS have developed a novel magnetic gel that heals diabetic wounds by activating dormant skin cells and repairing damaged blood vessels. The treatment has shown promising results, healing wounds up to three times faster than conventional approaches.
Researchers developed robotic prosthetic ankles controlled by nerve impulses, allowing amputees to move more naturally and improving stability. The study found that users were significantly more stable when using the robotic prototype, changing their postural control strategy and mimicking the body's behavior.
A study in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found higher rates of mutilating hand injuries and amputations with side-by-side UTVs compared to all-terrain vehicles. UTV riders had three times the amount of mutilating injuries and nearly ten times the amount of amputations.
Defective exosomes in diabetic patients drive inflammation and impair wound healing. Researchers identified alterations in exosome cargo and release that compromise wound healing in diabetes. New exosome-focused therapies may promote healing of chronic wounds.
A new study reveals that being divorced is associated with a two-thirds higher risk of lower limb amputation (LLA) in individuals with diabetes compared to those who are married. Additionally, men have a 57% higher risk of LLA than women. The study also found that obesity has a less-than-half the risk of LLA for people with normal weight.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory developed a wearable thin-film thermoelectric cooler that enables amputees to perceive temperature sensations in their phantom limbs. The technology has practical applications for improved prostheses, haptics, and pain management.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately affects Black adults, with higher rates of diagnosis and poor outcomes. Low-cost, routine testing can help reduce disparities and health care costs by identifying individuals at risk and providing preventive measures.
This study validates a novel method to quantify individual limb contributions to standing anteroposterior postural control. The results show that limb contributions are distinct from self-reported limb dominance and between-limb weight distributions, offering new insights into the complex mechanisms of standing postural control.
A new study found that combat-related traumatic injuries can cause localized bone mineral density loss in the hip region, particularly among those who have undergone amputations. The research suggests that this loss is mechanically driven and may be related to altered loading patterns.
A randomized controlled trial shows that a best endovascular treatment first revascularisation strategy is more effective in preventing major amputation and death than a vein bypass first strategy for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia. The study, BASIL-2, recruited 345 patients from the UK, Sweden, and Denmark and found ...
A study of over 7,000 patients found that Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with vascular disease have more severe symptoms before bypass surgery and are at greater risk for amputation and other complications after the procedure. Advanced disease accounted for up to half the effect of race on odds for amputation after ...
Research highlights devastating impact of war injuries on civilians and soldiers, resulting in complex bone and soft-tissue infections. Doctors describe treating patients with highly complex musculoskeletal infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
A new procedure has shown promising results in avoiding leg amputation for patients with severe peripheral artery disease. The PROMISE II U.S. clinical trial found that 76% of patients were able to keep their legs and had completely healed or healing wounds six months post-procedure.
The PROMISE II clinical trial showed that LimFlow therapy enabled 76% of patients to avoid amputation and experience wound healing. This minimally invasive procedure bypasses blocked arteries in the leg and rushes blood back into the foot through the veins, providing a unique alternative to major amputation.
A new study warns of a rise in potentially fatal infections caused by bacteria found along parts of the US coast, driven by global warming. The number of Vibrio vulnificus infections has increased from 10 to 80 per year over 30 years, with cases now found further north than ever before.
Researchers developed a neural implant that restored limb function to amputees and paralysed individuals by integrating with the brain and nerve. The biohybrid device combines electronic components with reprogrammed muscle cells, preventing scar tissue formation and improving signal extraction.
Researchers at the University of Bath are developing technology to photograph residual limbs remotely, enabling faster and more accurate prosthetic socket fittings. This project aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for amputees worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A new drug called CADD522 blocks a gene associated with driving bone cancer's spread, increasing survival rates by 50% in mice implanted with human bone cancer. The breakthrough treatment shows promise in all main bone cancer subtypes and has the potential to save lives and reduce disability.
Researchers developed a new prototype treatment using a human antibody that neutralizes neurotoxins from African and Asian elapid snakes, with potential for broader cross-reactivity. The treatment showed promising results in preventing death from venom envenoming in mice.
Researchers found that strengthening hip abductor muscles can provide effective compensation for weaknesses in knee extensor muscles, leading to improved mobility in people with below-the-knee amputations. The study tested the hypothesis in eight military personnel who had undergone a lower limb amputation and showed promising results.
Researchers at Aston University have discovered a new approach to process LDF light signals, allowing for more precise measurement of blood flow in specific areas of the vascular bed. This innovation has shown significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy for detecting microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-spe...
Researchers have developed an innovative amputated human limb model to evaluate molecularly targeted fluorescent probes for human tissues. The model allows for controlled testing of imaging agents with zero risk to patients, improving the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.
Researchers developed a nanofiber aerogel that promotes faster and more effective healing of diabetic wounds. The aerogel facilitates cell migration, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to the wound bed, while incorporating an anti-microbial peptide prevents bacterial growth and promotes healing.
Researchers found cannabis users had decreased patency and were 1.25 times more likely to require amputation one year after lower extremity bypass surgery. Cannabis use was also associated with a higher risk of opioid use after discharge.
A recent study found that restoring blood flow to the legs through bypass surgery or stent placement reduced pain and improved quality of life for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy for Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia Trial enrolled 1,830 participants and foun...
A new study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that drug-coated balloons outperformed bare metal stents in treating femoropopliteal lesions. The research showed improved 12-month patency and freedom from clinically driven reintervention and major adverse events with drug-coated balloons.
Researchers at FAU aim to empower amputees to maximize their individual potential for controlling the full dexterity of artificial hands using a novel bimodal skin sensor and machine learning algorithms. The project will develop customized prosthetic sockets and training programs to overcome limitations with current sensing technology.