AMI Construction in Lower Extremity Residual Limbs

Summary

This study will involve the development of a novel approach to lower extremity residual limb surgical revision that offers the promise of augmenting volitional motor control, restore proprioception and reverse atrophy

Detailed Description

The hypothesis of this research protocol is that we will be able to modify the residual limbs of patients who have already undergone lower extremity amputations so as to include biological actuators that will enable the successful employment of next generation lower extremity prostheses, diminish/eliminate phantom limb pain, restore proprioception and regenerate lost muscle mass. The specific aims of the project are as follows: 1. To develop a standardized operative technique for both above knee (AK) and below knee (BK) amputation revision procedures that includes AMIs to restore musculotendinous proprioceptive capabilities 2. To assess the capacity for these actuators to provide enhanced motor control and sensory feedback, as well as ablate phantom limb symptomatology and augment residual limb muscle mass 3. To determine the reinnervation time course and longevity of these biological constructs 4. To validate the functional and somatosensory superiority of the proposed revision technique over standard approaches to BKA and AKA 5. To develop a modified acute postoperative rehabilitation strategy suited to this new surgical approach

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions