WashU Medicine Bionic Limb Program
The WashU Medicine Bionic Limb Program provides advanced amputee care, osseointegration, peripheral nerve surgery, rehabilitation, and next-generation prosthetic technologies for patients with upper and lower extremity limb loss. Our multidisciplinary team brings together orthopedic surgeons, peripheral nerve specialists, physiatrists, therapists, prosthetists, and rehabilitation experts to help patients achieve greater function, comfort, independence, and quality of life.
The program builds on WashU Medicine’s nationally recognized expertise in limb preservation, amputation reconstruction, nerve surgery, and osseointegration to provide comprehensive care from initial evaluation through long-term rehabilitation.
Why choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics for bionic limb care?
Frequently asked questions
What is a bionic limb?
A bionic limb is an advanced prosthetic device that uses sensors, muscle signals, and other technologies to help individuals perform movements more naturally and intuitively than traditional prostheses. Some systems can respond to signals generated by muscles or nerves, allowing for more precise control.
Who is a candidate for the Bionic Limb Program?
You may be a candidate if any of the following apply:
- Have an upper or lower extremity amputation.
- Experience pain, discomfort, or difficulty using a traditional prosthesis.
- Are interested in osseointegration.
- Have neuroma pain or nerve-related symptoms after amputation.
- Want to explore advanced prosthetic technologies.
- Have been told your options are limited and would like a second opinion.
What is osseointegration?
Osseointegration is a surgical procedure that connects a prosthetic limb directly to the bone using a specialized implant. Unlike traditional socket-based prostheses, osseointegration eliminates the need for a socket and may improve comfort, mobility, stability, and prosthetic wear time.
What are the benefits of osseointegration?
Potential benefits include:
- Improved comfort.
- Better prosthetic suspension.
- Increased mobility.
- Improved awareness of limb position and movement.
- Reduced skin irritation and socket-related problems.
- More consistent use of a prosthesis.
What is targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR)?
Targeted muscle reinnervation is a surgical procedure that redirects severed nerves into nearby muscles. TMR can reduce neuroma pain and phantom limb pain while improving the ability of advanced prosthetic systems to interpret muscle signals for more intuitive control.
Can the program help patients with phantom limb pain or neuroma pain?
Yes. Our team evaluates patients experiencing phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, neuromas, nerve injuries, and other complications following amputation. Treatment may include surgery, rehabilitation, medication management, and advanced pain-management strategies.
Do I need to be a recent amputee to be seen?
No. We care for patients at every stage of their journey, including individuals who recently underwent amputation as well as patients who have lived with limb loss for many years.
What specialists are involved in my care?
Depending on your needs, your care team may include:
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Peripheral nerve surgeons
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Prosthetists and orthotists
- Rehabilitation specialists
What happens at my first appointment?
During your first visit, we will review your medical history, prior surgeries, imaging studies, prosthetic use, functional goals, and current challenges. Our team will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include rehabilitation, surgery, prosthetic optimization, or advanced technology evaluation.
What types of prosthetic technologies are available?
The program evaluates patients for advanced prosthetic systems that may include:
Do I need a referral?
Patients may be referred by physicians, therapists, prosthetists, case managers, workers’ compensation providers, or may request an appointment directly.