AMI Technique Restores Natural Gait for Seven Amputees

Jul 1, 2024, 03:52 PM

A groundbreaking surgical technique, known as the agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), has significantly improved the walking ability of individuals with below-the-knee amputations. This novel procedure, developed by researchers from MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital, allows a prosthetic leg to be controlled by the body's nervous system, restoring a natural gait. The bionic leg, driven by neural control, has enabled seven people who had lost a lower leg to walk as quickly and seamlessly as those without amputations. The technique was highlighted in the Emmy-nominated documentary 'Augmented' produced by STAT and NOVA PBS. Researchers hope this procedure will become a standard practice during amputations. The findings were reported in NatureMedicine.