Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Targeted Muscle Reinnervation: Surgical Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial in Postamputation Pain
Published on: March 8, 2024
Improved myoelectric prosthesis control using targeted reinnervation surgery: a case series.
Laura A Miller1, Kathy A Stubblefield, Robert D Lipschutz
1Neural Engineering Center for Artificial Limbs, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. lamiller@northwestern.edu
Summary
Targeted reinnervation surgery improves prosthetic control by using direct nerve signals for more intuitive prosthesis operation. This technique significantly enhances functional performance in amputees.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Neuroprosthetics
Background:
- Conventional upper-limb prostheses offer limited intuitive control.
- Amputees often face challenges with existing prosthetic control systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate targeted reinnervation as a method to enhance myoelectric control for upper-limb prostheses.
- To assess the functional improvements in amputees undergoing this surgical procedure.
Main Methods:
- Targeted reinnervation surgery was performed on individuals with upper-limb amputations.
- Participants were evaluated using standardized functional performance tests.
Main Results:
- The procedure successfully provided additional myoelectric input sites.
- Functional performance, measured by the box-and-blocks and clothespin tests, improved two to sixfold.
- The technique proved effective in both shoulder disarticulation and transhumeral amputations.
Conclusions:
- Targeted reinnervation offers a physiologically appropriate and effective method for controlling upper-limb prostheses.
- This surgical approach significantly enhances functional outcomes for amputees.
- Further exploration of novel control strategies is warranted.
