Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNIs) for Surface Myoelectric Control of a Novel Powered Finger Partial Hand Prosthesis
Abstract
This proposal aligns with the specific PRORP Focus Area of Retention Strategies with a specific focus on Return to Duty. The primary objective of the proposed research is to restore dexterity and quality-of-life to both Soldiers and civilians with partial-hand amputations or the loss of multiple fingers. To accomplish this, we plan to develop a high-fidelity prosthesis control interface to control an advanced finger prosthesis, thereby restoring natural finger movement to persons with partial hand amputations. We will utilize superficially placed, subcutaneous Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (sRPNI) to provide individual finger control within our novel powered-finger prosthesis system. We believe that subcutaneously placed RPNIs will be healthy, revascularize, remain electrophysiologically stable over time, and provide robust surface EMG sites with which to control our novel motorized powered finger prostheses. Partial hand loss comprises the largest population of individuals with upper limb loss in the United States, with approximately 500,000 cases. Traumatic finger amputations represent more than 90% of all amputations in the U.S., with a yearly incidence of 45,000. More than half of all individuals with a partial hand amputation are not able to return to work or active duty due to a lack of adequate prosthetic options currently available. Those that do often have to make considerable modifications to their work-related tasks. Furthermore, this reduced function negatively impacts the person’s independence in performing normal activities of daily living (ADLs), as well as their capacity to participate in social activities, and is often associated with depression, anxiety, and an overall decreased quality of life. Neuropathic pain resulting from amputation remains an extremely challenging condition to treat, since it is likely caused by a combination of peripheral nervous system mechanisms. Symptomatic neuromas are frequently the cause of residual limb pain in patients who experience major limb amputations, with an incidence as high as 50-70%. In addition to residual limb pain, 70-95% of persons with amputations also suffer from phantom limb pain (PLP), which is defined as a painful sensation that the amputee perceives in the missing extremity. PLP is frequently described as a central nervous system phenomenon whereby functional reorganization of the somatosensory cortex leads to chronic perception of painful phantom sensations. However, recent evidence has shown that residual limb pain due to neuromas influences the development of phantom limb pain and that treatment of symptomatic peripheral nerve neuromas has the potential to also improve PLP. Over the past 10 years, the team at Michigan has developed RPNIs as both a prosthetic control interface and a novel treatment strategy for the alleviation of both neuroma and PLP associated with amputation. In collaboration with the Biomechatronic Development Laboratory (BDL) at the University of Colorado, we will utilize a novel finger-powered prosthesis to take advantage of the parallel control interface offered by RPNIs. RPNI treatment is the current standard of care at the University of Michigan. Following development of the novel finger-powered prosthesis system, we will be well positioned to start immediate clinical trials in persons with partial hand amputations. Our collaborative team also works with several corporate partners, enabling a conduit for commercialization of our prosthetic system and clinical translation. Through our collaboration and industry partnerships, we will be able to greatly accelerate the process of getting this system to both Soldiers and civilians affected by these debilitating conditions. Currently, there is a lack of an adequate control interface that provides long-term, stable, and reliable signals for advanced control of prosthetic devices. The development of a lasting biological control interface capable of t
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110771
Entities
People
- Stephen Kemp
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Michigan