Somatotopic Configuration of Distal Residual Limb Tissues in Lower Extremity Amputations

Study Summary

The hypothesis of this research protocol is that we will be able to redesign the manner in which lower limb amputations are performed so as to include biological actuators that will enable the successful employment of next generation lower extremity prostheses. The specific aims of the project are as follows: 1. To define a standardized approach to the performance of a novel operative procedure for both below knee (BKA) and above knee (AKA) amputations 2. To measure the degree of volitional motor activation and excursion achievable in the residual limb constructs, and to determine the optimal configuration and design of such constructs 3. To describe the extent of proprioceptive and other sensory feedback achievable through the employment of these modified surgical techniques 4. To validate the functional and somatosensory superiority of the proposed amputation technique over standard approaches to BKA and AKA 5. To develop a modified acute postoperative rehabilitation strategy suited to this new surgical approach

Primary Outcome

Intact volitional activation of motor constructs, as assessed by electromyographic evidence of activation (muscle potentials measured in mV)

Interventions

• PROCEDURE Modified amputation procedure