A bionic cat signals hope for amputees

By Brandie Umar - Executive Director of Content | March 29th, 2011

A cat who lost two paws in an accident has been fitted with bionic legs in an operation that could be set to "transform the future" of orthopedics.

Using 'pegs', or intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics (ITAPs), developed by University College London for helping amputees who have lost arms from the elbow down or legs from the knee down, the cats' limbs were replaced allowing it to move around freely.

The prosthetic pegs were drilled into the cats ankles with prosthetic paws attached to the end. The pegs worked as a see-saw joint, allowing the lower half of the cats limb to move normally, ensuring no difficulties walking.

Another revolutionary aspect of the procedure is the technology that has enabled the skin and bone to grow into the implant, similar to how a deers antler grows - the bone holds the implant firmly in place, which is where the hope for amputees arises:

Currently amputees with a 'stump socket' are fitted with a prostheti limb which sits ontop of the socket and often causes pain and discomfort as the prosthetic moves. The new technology would allow the prosthetic to be held in place by ITAPs secured inside the socket.

The surgery was performed by Noel Fitzpatrick, a pioneering veterinarian being dubbed the Bionic Vet. Orthopedic scientists and researchers say the success of the surgery in Oscar the cat signals hope for amputees and could transform the future of orthopedic surgery.

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