A Malaysian Professor Invents a Dynamic Prosthesis, Giving Greater Freedom to Amputation Patients
A below-the-knee leg prosthesis can help people with a transtibial amputation resume a normal life, but some movements are limited, such as kneeling, squatting, or sitting on the floor, because the prosthesis does not bend at the ankle. A medical professor in Malaysia designed a breakthrough, patented dynamic prosthesis that affords patients greater freedom.
Prof. Dr. Mohd Yazid Bajuri is a professor of orthopedics and heads the Advanced Foot & Ankle, Diabetic Wound Care, and Reconstruction Unit at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM). He is also the President of the Malaysian Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society.
From an early age, he dreamed of becoming an engineer, drawn by the possibility of studying abroad. However, his mother envisioned a different path for him—one in medicine. Her wish for him was that he become a doctor. The young man did not have the heart to deny this wish since his mother was at the time in the last stages of kidney failure and on hemodialysis. “I thought I needed to fulfill her dreams,” he said. “So, I studied medicine and became a doctor.” “My mom managed to see me become a doctor but did not live long enough to see me as a surgeon or a professor,” he said.
He is now a renowned professor, surgeon, researcher, innovator, and the proud father of three children, two of whom are already pursuing medical careers.
Prof. Yazid graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Master's in Orthopedics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). After graduating, he served as a fellow in Foot and Ankle Surgery in Switzerland and the United Kingdom in 2012 and 2013. Upon returning to Malaysia, he became an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery, including diabetic foot wounds and reconstruction.
He later earned a PhD in Information Technology from the Institute of Visual Informatics from UKM and, as part of his thesis, designed a total ankle replacement protocol while studying for a master’s degree in diabetic science at the University of Warwick in the U.K.
Bending Lower Leg Prosthesis to Transform Lives of Amputees
As an orthopaedic surgeon, Prof. Yazid was well aware of the limitations of the conventional prosthesis for patients whose leg was amputated below the knee. A major issue was their inability to bend the ankle; patients would likely have to remove the prosthesis each time they wanted to sit on the floor, kneel, or squat. As a researcher, he sought a solution.
In 2022, MyB Innovation was launched as the first spin-off of the UKM to pursue R&D on an innovative prosthesis with a flexible ankle and its commercialization. Prof. Yazid served as the lead researcher and director. He also wanted to design a reliable, user-friendly, and affordable prosthesis. “Most of my patients are unable to afford prosthesis on the market,” he explained.
The company’s name is derived from the initials of Prof. Yazid (My) and the word “Boleh,” which means “you can do it.” It also refers to Malaysia's tagline “my”.
By 2024, MyB Innovation’s products were ready for commercialization, and in 2025, the prosthesis were launched on the market.
The company provides two versions of its prosthesis. One is a conventional version, the other a dynamic version.
Biomimetic Artificial Legs for Natural Movements
MyB's dynamic prosthesis patented mechanism allows the prosthesis to bend at the ankle. The mechanism is activated manually by the patient pulling a trigger. The company is now conducting R&D to enable automatic activation of the mechanism by pressing a button and is working to waterproof the prosthesis and improve its durability.
So far, 20 patients have been fitted with this prosthesis. They can engage in sports, run, and jump, Prof. Yazid explained.
The company is also developing an above-the-knee prosthesis, with a pending patent application and certification.
Lightweight Below-Knee Prosthetic Legs for All Amputation Patients
MyB Innovation dynamic prosthesis is not, however, meant for every patient. As explained by Prof. Yazid, only patients with sufficient strength and stability in the remaining leg, typically below 60, can be fitted with a dynamic prosthesis because it is harder to control. Some contraindications also include cardiovascular issues and co-morbidities beyond diabetes, which most of Prof. Yazid’s patients suffer from.
MyB Innovation concurrently developed a conventional prosthesis for a broader market, which is much lighter and cheaper than existing options. MyB's conventional prosthesis weighs around 800 grams, compared with 1,5 to 1,5 kilos for commercial ones. Non-governmental organizations quickly expressed interest in those lighter prosthesis, and the company began some collaborations. Since its launch, the prosthesis has been sold to about 50 patients.
Affordability as a Compass for Artificial Legs
One of Prof. Yazid’s motivations is to bring the prosthesis to as many patients as possible. “I want to give back to the community and provide high-quality, affordable prosthesis,” he said, explaining further that innovation should go hand in hand with affordability.
A believer in good deeds and a higher purpose, he explained that he is not “business-oriented” but “patient-oriented” and intends to give back to the community. “If you give something, you will get something back, and not only in terms of monetary benefits,” he said.
MyB prosthesis are notably cheaper than other commercial ones. According to Prof. Yazid, where a basic prosthesis might cost MYR 5,000 (US$1,280), MyB prosthesis costs MYR 3,500, and where a medium-quality prosthesis might cost MYR 10,000 (US$ (US$2,500), MyB prosthesis is priced MYR 7,500, for the same quality.
MyB prosthesis are also modular; broken or worn-out parts can be replaced. The average life of a prosthesis is comparable to that of shoes, about one or two years. Extending the durability of the prosthesis is also important for affordability.
Assessing Patentability of MyB Innovation Biomimetic Prosthesis
Prof. Yazid is no stranger to patents. A prolific researcher, he said he holds nine patents, including an “Air Walker Shoe,” an “External fixation tool,” a brace, a virtual reality system for Total Ankle Replacement Surgery, and the MyB prosthesis, a below-the-knee dynamic prosthesis (transtibial prosthesis and dynamic ankle mobility).
For the latter, Prof. Yazid participated in the WIPO ASEAN Patent Analytics project, which promotes the use of patent information and analytics as a strategic tool for technology and business decision-making. The project helped him to assess the competitive IP landscape in the field of “dynamic ankle mobility” and identify similar and related patents.
He said this patent analytics allowed him to assess that his invention was novel and provided him with insights on which countries represent untapped markets and strategic jurisdictions for potential market expansion of this technology. “I could not map those patents by myself, since it is a very wide patent search,” he said.
International Recognition of MyB Innovation Prosthesis
With positive feedback from patients and rehabilitation physicians, the dynamic and conventional MyB prosthesis are now available in five hospitals in the country. Prof. Yazid hopes to become a leader in Malaysia and gain international recognition as an innovative company that delivers high-quality, technologically advanced, durable, and affordable prosthesis.
