Cat Gets Intraosseous Transcutaneous Prosthetic Limbs

A Jersey cat, who had his back paws sliced off in an accident with a combine harvester, has received a pair of innovative prosthetic legs. Noel Fitzpatrick, a veterinary surgeon from Surrey, used a technique called intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses (Itaps) to get the cat back on his feet. These prostheses grow through the skin in a way similar to the way deer antler bone does. This in contrast to the way most prosthetic limbs are attached by a "stump socket", which often causes problems through rubbing and pressure sores. The new technology is currently being tested for application in humans. A documentary about the procedure called "The Bionic Vet" will be aired on BBC 1 this Wednesday.