A highly integrated bionic hand with neural control and feedback for use in daily life
Journal article, 2023
Restoration of sensorimotor function after amputation has remained challenging because of the lack of human-machine interfaces that provide reliable control, feedback, and attachment. Here, we present the clinical implementation of a transradial neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis—a bionic hand connected directly to the user’s nervous and skeletal systems. In one person with unilateral below-elbow amputation, titanium implants were placed intramedullary in the radius and ulna bones, and electromuscular constructs were created surgically by transferring the severed nerves to free muscle grafts. The native muscles, free muscle grafts, and ulnar nerve were implanted with electrodes. Percutaneous extensions from the titanium implants provided direct skeletal attachment and bidirectional communication between the implanted electrodes and a prosthetic hand. Operation of the bionic hand in daily life resulted in improved prosthetic function, reduced postamputation, and increased quality of life. Sensations elicited via direct neural stimulation were consistently perceived on the phantom hand throughout the study. To date, the patient continues using the prosthesis in daily life. The functionality of conventional artificial limbs is hindered by discomfort and limited and unreliable control. Neuromusculoskeletal interfaces can overcome these hurdles and provide the means for the everyday use of a prosthesis with reliable neural control fixated into the skeleton.
Author
Max Jair Ortiz Catalan
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Systems and control
Center for Bionics and Pain Research
Bionics Institute
University of Melbourne
Jan Zbinden
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Systems and control
Center for Bionics and Pain Research
Jason Millenaar
Integrum AB
Daniele D’Accolti
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSUP)
Marco Controzzi
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSUP)
F. Clemente
Prensilia
Leonardo Cappello
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSUP)
Eric Earley
University of Colorado
Center for Bionics and Pain Research
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Systems and control
Enzo Mastinu
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSUP)
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Systems and control
Center for Bionics and Pain Research
Justyna Kolankowska
Integrum AB
Maria Munoz-Novoa
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Center for Bionics and Pain Research
Stewe Jönsson
TeamOlmed
C. Cipriani
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSUP)
Paolo Sassu
IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna
Center for Bionics and Pain Research
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Rickard Brånemark
University of Gothenburg
Integrum AB
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Science Robotics
24709476 (eISSN)
Vol. 8 83 eadf7360Subject Categories (SSIF 2011)
Surgery
Neurosciences
Orthopedics
DOI
10.1126/scirobotics.adf7360
PubMed
37820004