Evaluation of the Bionic Leg in Lower Limb Traumatic Amputation Patients: A Literature Review
Principal Investigator: Dr. Robert Malkin
Research Mentor: Hiwot Zedie
Paper Summary
Traumatic lower limb amputations are increasing globally, creating a growing need for advanced prosthetic devices that restore lost function. This literature review analyzes the current state of bionic legs, which are prosthetics designed to closely mimic natural leg movement. It evaluates their functionality, ability to restore sensation, and impact on mental health. While bionic legs offer significant improvements over cheaper, low-motion prosthetics, they face challenges in ergonomics—comfort and fit remain problematic due to the complexity of sensors and technology used. The study highlights the need for future research focused on improving comfort and usability. Additionally, the study is limited by the small number of existing studies and sample sizes, as bionic legs are still relatively new. Further research exploring other factors, such as phantom limb pain, is essential to enhance the design and effectiveness of bionic legs, helping amputees regain better quality of life.

