When different types of surgeons pull together for a patient, they can do extraordinary things! Because of the dedication of a team of plastic, orthopedic and vascular surgeons from Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, along with biomechatronics experts from the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Media Lab, a man named Jim Ewing now has a new chance a full life.
Experimental Amputation Makes Impossible, Possible!
1 min read Premium comments
Secondary
According to a representative at Brigham and Women’s, “While climbing Cayman Brac with his wife and daughter, Jim, an experienced climber, fell approximately 50 feet. He was airlifted to Florida, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Although he recovered from most of his injuries, his foot and ankle did not progress, leaving him with limited mobility and constant pain. Jim was referred to Dr. [Matthew] Carty and eventually made the decision to pursue amputation via experimental protocol.”
Ewing, age 52, recently underwent a first of its kind experimental surgical procedure to amputate his lower left leg. If the surgery is a success, he will be able to perform complex actions and feel sensation by allowing his brain to interact with a robotic prosthetic.
As indicated in the November 11, 2016 news release, Matthew J. Carty, M.D., director, Lower Extremity Transplant Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is pioneering a new amputation—the nation’s first dynamic-model amputation, part of an experimental protocol, and its impact on restoring limb function. The amputation will be known as “The Ewing Amputation.”
In 2014, Dr. Carty was the winner of the inaugural Stepping Strong Innovator Awards established by The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation to support groundbreaking projects in innovative trauma treatment and recovery.
React:
Discussion
This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
Join the conversation
Orthopedic professionals are discussing this. Sign in and upgrade to read every comment and add your voice.