Anchored in Motion: The Biomechanical Promise of Bone-Anchored Limbs

Patients with lower limb amputation are at a substantially higher risk of developing musculoskeletal overuse injuries compared to able-bodied individuals, which is largely driven by chronically altered joint biomechanics. Bone-anchored limbs area novel alternative to traditional socket-suspended prostheses that directly attach the prosthetic limb to the residual limb. While early clinical outcome evidence is promising, it remains largely unknown how this prosthesis influences musculoskeletal health. Using engineering-based principles, this talk will explore the multi-domain biomechanical influence of how bone-anchored limbs influence joint biomechanics.

Brecca Gaffney, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at CU Anschutz Medical Campus & a Rehabilitation Researcher in the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center within the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. Dr. Gaffney earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Mines & an MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the DU. She is the Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Movement Science Laboratory and the Co-Clinical Research Director of the Bone-Anchored Limb Research Group. Dr. Gaffney’s research investigates how whole-body & joint-level biomechanics are altered in the presence of a movement pathology, such as lower limb amputation, and use these findings to improve the efficacy of interventions designed to prevent the development of secondary pain conditions.