Australian-first bionic breakthrough allows amputees to use 'thought' to control artificial limbs

An Australian-first procedure by Melbourne doctors is allowing amputees to move their prostheses just by thinking of the action they want to perform.

Arm amputees Alan Newey, 53, and Gerald Wilkie, 54, are among seven patients who have undergone the revolutionary procedure at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, with help from Epworth Healthcare and ProMotion Prosthetics.

The operation begins with "osseointegration,” where a titanium implant fuses to the remaining bone of the amputated limb, securely attaching the prosthesis to the patient.

The next stage is "targeted muscle re-innervation”. When the natural arm and hand have been amputated, nerves that once controlled movement from the brain remain active.

Surgeons then re-wire those nerves, with the help of electrodes, to the artificial limb.

This allows the brain to send movement signals to the prosthesis when the patient thinks of moving.

“So when they think naturally of moving the elbow, then the new prosthetic elbow will move,” Alfred Hospital surgeon Dr Frank Bruscino-Raiola explained.

Mr Newey, who lost his arm in a work conveyor belt in 1999, told 9NEWS the new bionic technology has made him feel more human the ever.

“For me, it was satisfaction. I felt whole again,” he said.

The 53-year-old added he can now naturally embrace his wife and complete other everyday actions.

“Holding hands walking down the street, which was a huge one because she always stood on my right hand side and now she can again.

“That brought tears to her eyes.”

Mr Wilkie, who lost his arm a decade ago when it was dragged into a rock-crushing machine, said his new limb has allowed him to feel again.

“I can pick an egg up... paper cup, not a problem. Because you get feedback - you can feel things,” he said.

“It just feels so natural, familiar and comfortable.”

Dr Frank Bruscino-Raiola described the procedure as a game-changer.

“This is going to change amputees are dealt with.”

For more information about the procedure email: sjgray@alfred.org.au