Smart Prosthetics (MOIP)

To address the needs of military amputees, the Naval Research Lab and collaborators have created a smart artificial leg they call the “Monitoring OsseoIntegrated Prostheses” or MOIP. As described: “MOIP uses an alternative limb type called an osseointegrated prosthetic—which includes a titanium fixture surgically implanted into the thigh bone, or femur. Bone grows, or “osseointegrates,” at the connection point with the implant, leaving only a small metallic connector protruding from the remaining leg. An accompanying artificial limb then can be attached or detached at will. The same procedure can be performed for upper limbs. . . . [The prosthetic] includes a critical bio-compatible sensor array embedded within an amputee’s residual limb—coupled with additional sensors on the osseointegrated prosthetic itself. The first technology of its kind, the array tracks changes in body temperature and pH balance, indicators of possible infection. It also monitors how well the bone and prosthetic limb fuse together and heal, allowing doctors to dramatically speed the recuperation process of warfighters.” MORE

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