A pioneering procedure at the American Medical Center has enabled a 45-year-old man to regain the prospect of full upper-limb function after a life-altering accident. The operation involved the implantation of an osseointegrated bionic hand, marking an important development for advanced prosthetic care in Cyprus.
The surgery, completed on 28 November, was performed by orthopaedic surgeon Stelios Chatzichristofi. During the procedure, a BADAL cylindrical implant was fixed to the patient’s upper arm. Over the coming weeks, once the implant has fully stabilised, the limb will gradually be loaded with weight. This step-by-step strengthening process will lead to the final fitting of the bionic arm and to the patient’s training in its use.
The prosthesis includes a myoelectric elbow, myoelectric wrist and a multi-articulated hand, allowing the restoration of key functions following an amputation above the elbow.
The patient lost his left arm after a serious motorcycle accident on 13 September 2024, which caused multiple injuries and required intensive care, repeated surgeries and months of physiotherapy. Six months later, he managed to walk again. Given his age and overall physical condition, doctors deemed him an ideal candidate for this innovative intervention.
The procedure received approval from the Ministry of Health, while the prosthetic arm was created by the Centre for Orthopaedic Applications (KEO), which has also been training the patient for the past three months in preparation for the transition to the new limb.